Where is insulin commonly administered subcutaneously?

Where is insulin commonly administered subcutaneously?

• A. Into the muscle of the calf
• B. Intravenous injection
• C. Into the subcutaneous tissue: abdomen, upper thigh, upper arms
• D. Intra-articular injection

Answer: (C)

Insulin is best absorbed from a subcutaneous depot, a layer of fat just under the skin. That slow, steady absorption is essential for matching insulin action to meals and daily needs. The common sites—abdomen, upper thigh, and upper arm—provide reliable absorption and also allow rotating locations to minimize pain and tissue changes. If you injected into muscle, absorption would be faster and less predictable, which can cause hypoglycemia or erratic blood glucose control. Intravenous administration would deliver insulin immediately, bypassing the gradual absorption pattern and isn’t used for routine injections. Intra-articular injections go into a joint and aren’t a route for insulin therapy.

Insulin is best absorbed from a subcutaneous depot, a layer of fat just under the skin. That slow, steady absorption is essential for matching insulin action to meals and daily needs. The common sites—abdomen, upper thigh, and upper arm—provide reliable absorption and also allow rotating locations to minimize pain and tissue changes.

If you injected into muscle, absorption would be faster and less predictable, which can cause hypoglycemia or erratic blood glucose control. Intravenous administration would deliver insulin immediately, bypassing the gradual absorption pattern and isn’t used for routine injections. Intra-articular injections go into a joint and aren’t a route for insulin therapy.