4mm needles

Just a quick post to let people know that DB 4mm needles are avliable on prescription... Having just got mine updated...
Trialed them a few months back just after finishing my DAFNE course, so I'm not sure if they help improve my control, but they did it no harm, as for comfort, I used 5mm any way so it was negotiable. Just a case that smaller might be better...........

I understand these are designed to deliver your doses into fatty tissue as opposed to muscle tissue which lies deeper. Up until recently I used 10mm. Yes 10. I'm now on 8 which seem really short so will have to discuss going shorter still with my GP at next consultation.

i was on 8mm and gone down to 5mm much better. did not know they went to 4mm

I am still on 12mm syringes as I have been since I was diagnosed in 1993 (Dislike the NovoPen). My doctor is being slow at changing my prescription. Going to have to book an appointment soon and see what is going on. Are the shorter syringes more comfortable?

Seem to remember when I started out on insulin that I was give two reusable needles to put on my one glass syringe. They were 2" long 21 gauge. Many moons ago however.
Then revolution.... disposables..... and at that time the smallest diameter 12.5 mm disposables were 26 gauge. Pleased to say that much smaller needle diameters are now available.
There are so many pen types out there now. Your HCP should provide you with sufficient info to help you make an informed choice and supply you with some options to try. Bear in mind that syringes mean that the needle you use has already been used once in piercing the insulin bottle cap seal before you use it on yourself.
BD disposable needles are available in all the sizes mentioned and some lengths in between too. Length to use really depends upon where you inject and how much subcutaneous fat you have in those areas. I don't carry much fat so am happy with 4 mm and I rarely bruise using them in stomach and thighs.
Current 4 mm long are now 0.23 mm diameter - or old 34 gauge.
Smaller diameters are so much more comfortable to use.
Regards
Garry

Yeah, I too remember the days when you had reusable needles and metal and glass syringes! One needle had to last a whole week! I had to boil the syringe and needle each day - imagine as a 13 year old having to do that each morning before school!
We have come a long way and I still have the lumps and bumps. Hey ho!
Yes, 4 mm needles were mentioned on my DAFNE course, but, all being well, there's a pump with my name on it, so I'll leave things as they are.

I use 4mm only on my thighs with lantus. Used to use 8mm & it hurt a great deal + injection site leaked. With 4mm needles I get no pain, I don't have to "pinch up" & get no leaking. Fantastic !!

it is worth changing to smaller needles it helps wityh the diabetes and hurts less or in less time

Going to try the 5mm ones this week (have a nurse friend!). If I like them I will change over.
I also remember the glass syringe and my parents being told to use the needly until it was blunt! I was 5 and very skinny so luckily my parents were having none of that and bought them for me, bless.

shorter is not always better i was addvised to change up from 6mm to 8 mm and this made a improvment to my control but i am quite a big chap and on very high ratios, i will see what happens as i lose a few stone.