What is the recommended interval between rotations of Basaglar (insulin glargine) injection sites?

Insulin Injection Site Rotation Recommendations for Basaglar (Insulin Glargine)

For Basaglar (insulin glargine) injection sites, you should change the zone of the body used for injections regularly, using one zone quadrant/half per week, and inject at least 1 cm from previous injection sites within that zone. 1

Proper Rotation Technique

• Divide injection zones (abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper arms) into quadrants or halves and use one quadrant/half per week 1, 2
• Within each zone, inject at least 1 cm from previous injection sites (approximately the width of one adult finger), rotating in a consistent direction 1
• After using all sections of one zone for a week, move to a different zone for the next week 1, 2

Recommended Injection Sites

• Primary recommended sites include abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms 1, 3
• The abdomen is often preferred for insulin glargine as it provides the most consistent absorption 3
• The arm is the least preferred site for self-injection due to difficulty ensuring optimal 90° angle and performing skin lift independently 1

Injection Technique

• Use 4-mm pen needles inserted at a 90° angle for most adults regardless of body type 2
• Allow insulin to come to room temperature before injecting (30-60 minutes out of refrigerator) to reduce pain and prevent lipodystrophy 1, 3
• Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely before injection 3

Importance of Proper Rotation

• Systematic rotation reduces the risk of lipodystrophy (abnormal fat deposits) 1, 2
• Lipodystrophy can lead to unpredictable insulin absorption, increased glucose variability, and unexplained hypoglycemic episodes 1, 2
• Healthcare professionals should review rotation practices at least annually 1, 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Injecting into the same area repeatedly, which increases risk of lipodystrophy 2, 3
• Injecting cold insulin directly from the refrigerator, which can be painful and contribute to lipodystrophy 1, 3
• Injecting through clothing, which prevents proper site inspection and technique verification 1, 3
• Injecting into areas with lipodystrophy, edema, infection, inflammation, or ulceration 1, 3

Special Considerations for Insulin Glargine (Basaglar)

• Insulin glargine provides basal control of glycemia for approximately 24 hours without pronounced peaks in plasma insulin levels 4
• The consistent absorption profile of insulin glargine makes proper site rotation particularly important to maintain predictable effects 4, 5