Insulin Pens vs Syringes: Which Is Right for You?

In this article, we will compare insulin pens with syringes, looking at the pros and cons of each to find out which is best for you.

There are currently four main ways people living with diabetes can administer insulin (1):

• Syringes

• Insulin pens

• Insulin pumps 

• Insulin inhalers 

Of these methods, insulin pens and syringes are the most widely used. There is no one set way to administer insulin, and insulin delivery methods can differ for each person. The best insulin delivery method depends on your personal preference, medical needs, and treatment goals.

Pros and cons of insulin pens

There are two basic types of insulin pens: disposable and reusable pens

• Disposable pens: These types of pens are preloaded with insulin and thrown away once the insulin in the cartridges runs out. 

• Reusable pens: Like the name implies, these pens can be reused. To reuse, simply change the insulin cartridges when they run out. However, each reusable pen only works with a certain type of insulin, so if your insulin type is changed, you may need to get a different pen. 

To use insulin pens, it is best to follow the instructions given by the pen manufacturer or your healthcare provider because different insulin pens may vary in the way they are used or primed.

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Pros

Some benefits of using an insulin pen include (2):

• It is simple and convenient

• Less pain during injection

• The dose scale is easier to read on the pen

• Often more accurate in dosing.

• People with vision problems can use it accurately 

• Easier to carry around 

• More discreet for public use.

• Fewer bruising at the injection site.

Cons

Some of the reasons people do not opt for an insulin pen may include:

• Cost

• It may be harder to use than syringes

• They are not made for all insulin types.

• Most pens hold only one insulin type, so different injections may be needed if you're using different types of insulin.

Pros and cons of insulin syringes

Unlike pens that may be disposable or reusable, syringes are disposable and intended to be used only once and discarded.  Most insulin syringes are designed to deliver U-100 insulin. If you need a higher concentration, such as U-500, your doctor will prescribe a special syringe or device made for that dose.

Here's a simple way to use a syringe to deliver insulin:

• Wash your hands

• Make sure the insulin is clear (discard if it isn’t)

• Clean the top of the vial with an alcohol swab

• Draw air into the syringe. It's best to draw air equal to the amount of insulin you need to use.

• Insert the needle into the vial and then push the plunger to release the air. 

• Turn the vial and syringe upside down. Make sure the tip of the needle is in the syringe.

• Slowly pull the plunger to withdraw the correct dose.

• Tap the syringe to remove any air bubbles

• Administer to the preferred injection area

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Pros 

Some benefits of using an insulin syringe include:

• More affordable

• Readily available

• Can draw different types of insulin into one syringe 

• The syringe can be safely discarded after a single use

• Great for mixing insulin

Cons

• Less precise for dosing insulin than insulin pens

• It may be more difficult for people with vision or dexterity problems to use 

• Less discreet

Syringe or pen: Which is best for you?

There's no single best way to deliver insulin; it depends on your needs or your healthcare provider's recommendations. 

Overall, studies show that both pens and syringes work equally well for managing blood sugar. (2) That said, here are some side-by-side comparisons that can further help you decide what insulin delivery method to choose: (3, 4)

Smart Insulin Pens

New technology has made insulin delivery even better. (5) A smart insulin pen is a reusable injector pen connected to a smartphone app, which can help you better manage your sugar level. This smart pen can help you: (5,6)

• Calculate and track your dose

• Provide reminders or alerts on when your dose is due, so there are fewer skipped or missed doses

• Share your data log with your healthcare provider to help them make more personalized decisions about your care

• Reduces mistakes in dosing or timing

• Deliver an accurate half-unit dose

If you have blood sugar levels that are not consistent (fluctuate between highs and lows), then a smart insulin pen may be a good idea.  However, this pens are often more expensive than regular insulin pens and syringes. It may also be harder to use for people who are not comfortable with technology.

At Total Diabetes Supply, we offer a range of insulin delivery devices to choose from. If you're unsure which option is right for you, contact us, and our customer service team will guide you toward a more personalized choice.

Bottom Line

Choosing between insulin pens and syringes is a personal decision. Your healthcare provider's guidance, budget, lifestyle, and treatment goals should all be considered. While smart insulin pens add convenience and tracking, their higher cost and reliance on technology may not suit everyone.

Sources 

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 4 Ways to Take Insulin. 

2. Kamrul-Hasan ABM, Hannan MA, Alam MS, et al. Comparison of simplicity, convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness between use of insulin pen devices and disposable plastic syringes by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh. BMC Endocr Disord. 2023;23:37. doi:10.1186/s12902-023-01292-8.

3. Hanas R, de Beaufort C, Hoey H, Anderson B. Insulin delivery by injection in children and adolescents with diabetes. Pediatr Diabetes. 2011;12(5):518-526. doi:10.1111/j.1399-5448.2010.00731.x

4. Ramadan WH, Khreis NA, Kabbara WK. Simplicity, safety, and acceptability of insulin pen use versus the conventional vial/syringe device in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Lebanon. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:517-528. doi:10.2147/PPA.S78225

5. Sangave NA, Aungst TD, Patel DK. Smart Connected Insulin Pens, Caps, and Attachments: A Review of the Future of Diabetes Technology. Diabetes Spectr. 2019;32(4):378-384. doi:10.2337/ds18-0069

6. Lingen K, Pikounis T, Bellini N, Isaacs D. Advantages and disadvantages of connected insulin pens in diabetes management. Endocr Connect. 2023;12(11):e230108. doi:10.1530/EC-23-0108