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F0329-01

Examples of subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.

Because it carries with it a substantial risk of hypoglycemia, [1][2] giving insulin intramuscularly should only be done with guidance from a medical professional. Insulins which are not soluble are able to be used intramuscularly, unlike intravenously, which requires soluble insulins only.

Intramuscular insulin injection is a technique used for both pets and people in an effort to hasten onset, compared to the usual technique of injecting subcutaneously. [3] It's often referred to medically by the abbreviation IM. [4]

Because absorption of subcutaneous insulin can be altered by dehydration (mainly slower than normal), intramuscular insulin injections can be used for cases involving dehydration and/or ketoacidosis. [5]


References

  1. Thow JC, Johnson AB, Fulcher G, Home PD. (1990). Different Absorption of Isophane (NPH) Insulin From Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Sites. Diabetic Medicine.
  2. Insulin Treatment-Needle and Syringe. Patients Up To Date.
  3. Questions About Insulin. Diabetes-World Mailing List.
  4. Heinemann, Lutz (January 2008). Variability of Insulin Action:Does It Matter?-page 40 (4 of 9). Insulin Journal.
  5. Herrtage, Michael (2009). New Strategies in the Management of Canine Diabetes Mellitus. WSAVA.

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