In Reply to: Pens and needles for Sue posted by Margaret Aspinall on November 26, 2000 at 13:45:06:
Actually, I've seen a pen, but I don't understand what the difference is that would help with a 'needle phobia'. I'm thinking Star Trek... You know, how they just press a pen-like thing against the skin and press a button...
8^)
Sue
: The pen, is a replacement for the shringe, the B D A(British Diabetic Association) now known as Diabetes UK fought strongly to the Goverment, to make them available Free for all Type 1 Diabetics. The Insulin is premixed in a cartridge that fits in the pen like a refil, the pen twists at the top to the required dose and you simply press. the needle is replaced after each injection, when the cartridge is empty you simply replace. I don't know if it is the same in Canada, but Diabetics in England do not pay for any medication, Even if it is for none related illness. This is relatively new, before hand we had to pay for the needles, and blood testing strips and so on. So as my insulin comes premixed, I can't change the mixture myself. The hospital advise me and I just go with it.