Insulin Absorption

Insulin absorption can vary from day to day and from patient to patient. Conditions affecting absorption include depth of injection, tissue reaction, presence of edema and injection site.

The abdomen provides the fastest absorption followed by the upper arm, upper buttocks, and the side of the thigh. Sites must be rotated systematically to avoid fluctuations of blood glucose levels. Absorption is unaffected by random site selection for long acting insulin (Tresiba, Levemir, Lantus, Toujeo, etc.).

Most patients select the abdomen because of predictable absorption. Also in injections that are not placed far enough below the skin small bumps of the medicine may form. It is important to remember not to rub the skin to absorb. Leave the area as is and it will be absorbed as needed by the body.