•  
  •  

Picture of Insulin Injection Areas

Picture of areas on the body where insulin is injected

Look at the dark pink areas on these pictures to find areas of the body where insulin is injected. Inject insulin into:

  • The abdomen, but at least 2 in. (5.1 cm) inches from the belly button. The abdomen is the best place to inject insulin, because your abdomen area can absorb insulin most consistently.
  • The top outer area of the thighs. Insulin usually is absorbed more slowly from this site, unless you exercise soon after injecting insulin into your legs.
  • The upper outer area of the arms.
  • The buttocks.

Slightly change the injection spot each time you inject insulin. Using the same spot every time can form bumps or pits in the skin. For instance, use the right upper arm 5 times in different places, then use the left upper arm in 5 places.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Last Revised July 19, 2011

Last Revised: July 19, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.