Advantages and disadvantages
What makes insulin pens more convenient than traditional vials and syringes for everyday use?
They’re easy to use—just dial, inject, and done. No need to channel your inner pharmacist every time!
True or false - It’s okay to reuse insulin pen needles multiple times.
False. Unless you want your needle looking like a bent fork…please don’t!
Before injecting insulin, what step helps ensure the correct dose is given?
Double-check the insulin type and dose—because “Oops!” is not part of safe medication practice.
Which Saskatchewan-based helpline provides 24/7 support for diabetes-related questions?
HealthLine 811.
Misreading an insulin prescription can result in what problem?
Administering the incorrect dose—because mixing up 10 units and 100 units is the plot twist no one asked for.
Which feature of insulin pens makes them ideal for people on the go?
They’re small, discreet, and portable—because diabetes care should travel as easily as your phone or keys.
Giving long-acting insulin instead of rapid-acting is an example of what kind of insulin pen error?
Administering the wrong type or dose of insulin.
How often should you change your insulin pen needle?
Every injection.
What three-digit phone number connects to HealthLine in Saskatchewan?
811
Mixing up rapid-acting and long-acting insulin can lead to what serious issue?
Severe blood sugar fluctuations, including hypoglycemia.
What benefit of insulin pens helps patients stick to their treatment by simplifying how much to take and when?
Easy-to-follow dosage directions.
Why should insulin pens never be shared between individuals?
Cross-contamination and infection. Insulin pens are NOT a “share with friends” kind of thing.
Using a dose calculator or verifying with another healthcare provider can help prevent what issue?
Insulin dosing mistakes—because guessing your dose is not a fun game of “Insulin Roulette.”
Where can patients access reliable insulin safety information instead of social media advice?
Diabetes Canada Website—because insulin tips from a real expert beat TikTok trends every time.
Educating patients and verifying prescriptions are key to preventing what type of error?
Insulin dosing mistakes
Despite their benefits, insulin pens have drawbacks. What’s one reason some people might find them wasteful?
They tend to leave a small amount of insulin in the cartridge.
What happens when someone injects insulin without priming the pen first?
An incorrect dose of insulin may be given.
How often should insulin injection sites be rotated?
Every injection—because poking the same spot over and overturns it into a lumpy, grumpy pin cushion!
Medsask provides expert information on which type of insulin products?
Biosimilar insulins.
Giving the wrong insulin type or dose can cause which two dangerous conditions?
Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.