Top Site Locations Recommended by a Diabetes Dietitian for a Healthy Lifestyle

Diabetes is a condition that requires constant attention, and one of the most common questions is where to put insulin pump sites, and where to inject to get the best insulin absorption in the body, while also considering where to put a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

While there isn’t a ‘best’ answer for everyone, here’s a few options for you to consider: 

Abdomen

The abdomen is a common site for insulin injections that many people with diabetes choose. It is easy to access and often less painful than other sites due to protection by fat, greater surface area, and less muscle. However, it is essential to recognize that putting in an insulin pump site or a CGM can be different. While insulin pump sites have a cannula that can create scar tissue, a CGM will not leave scar tissue because there is no liquid going through it. The abdomen has more real estate than most people think. It is possible to alternate sides and work up and down, making six sites in a small area.

Upper Arms

For CGMs, the most common area is the upper arm, specifically the back of the arm..  A lot of people will have continuous glucose monitoring here. For insulin injection, the back of the arm is the really easy location to work with as well.When it comes to injection sites and for easier absorption of insulin, it’s always best to look for a little bit of subcutaneous fat tissue.

Thighs

When selecting an injection site on the front and sides of the thighs for insulin injection, it is important to avoid getting too close to the bony area near the knee. This is because injecting insulin into this area can result in hitting a nerve or a blood vessel, which can cause pain, bleeding, or other complications. Another thing to remember, if you decide to work out or exercising your lower extremities, it’s best not to choose your thighs as site in administering insulin, by the time you inject your insulin, that insulin is gonna  work really fast because that tissue is now metabolically active, the blood is flowing really quickly and you may experience low blood sugar. 

Buttocks

The upper buttocks have the thickest layer of fat, but can be hard to inject and rotate without some assistance. The "love handles" (that area just above your hip), can be a good injection site for young children or very thin adults because you can usually squeeze fat in this area. But it can be an issue for insulin pump sites, especially when you’re putting on your pants or shorts because you’re pulling it up. The site’s right there, you may forget it’s there and end up ripping it..

Always remember to rotate the injection site, as scar tissue can develop quickly when injecting into the same spot. Rotate injection sites within the selected area to prevent lipohypertrophy (a thickening or lumping of fatty tissue under the skin caused by repeated injections in the same area).  This can be uncomfortable and even reduce the body’s effectiveness in absorbing the medication. Just as we rotate and change the tires on a car to prevent uneven tread wear, flats and dangerous blowouts, we must rotate pump infusion sites to prevent skin problems and uneven insulin absorption.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to where to put insulin pump sites, CGMs, and injections.

By following these guidelines, people living with diabetes can achieve excellent blood sugar levels and enjoy their life without restrictions. If you have more questions about site locations for your CGM and insulin pump, our dietitians are available to answer your questions. Just let us know!