Easier Injecting With Insulin Pens

Insulin pens look, as their name suggests, like a large pen or marker. They use an insulin cartridge, along with disposable needles. Some use replaceable cartridges; others use nonreplaceable, prefilled, disposable cartridges. While more expensive than syringes and vials, pens may be the insulin-injecting device of choice for your parent because they're convenient, easy to handle, and usually less painful (most have very thin needles). Elderly parents with poor vision may also find it easier to dial the mechanical device than to read the side of a syringe. Especially helpful for those who have trouble keeping track of their medication regimen is the HumaPen Memoir, which records the date, time, and amount of the past 16 doses. Ask your parent's pharmacist or diabetes healthcare provider whether she should try a pen and which type would suit her best.