What is an insulin pen used for?

An insulin pen is specifically designed as a device pre-filled with insulin for the purpose of administering subcutaneous injections. This device streamlines the process of insulin delivery for individuals with diabetes, allowing for precise dosing and convenience. The pen format typically features a dial that enables the user to select the desired dose, making it much easier to manage insulin therapy compared to traditional vials and syringes.

Using an insulin pen is beneficial because it is portable, user-friendly, and reduces the anxiety associated with injections. The subcutaneous route is essential for insulin administration as it allows for the hormone to be absorbed effectively to control blood glucose levels.

While other devices are intended for different purposes, such as measuring blood glucose or delivering oral medications, they do not fulfill the specific role that an insulin pen serves in diabetes management. Intravenous injections are also entirely separate and not typically used for administering insulin in a home setting.