T1D Dietitian’s Advice on Intramuscular Injections

Managing diabetes—whether Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D)—often means dealing with fluctuating blood sugar levels.

One of the most frustrating experiences is when blood sugar spikes to numbers like 262 or higher, and despite repeated corrections, it just won’t come down. In situations like these, many diabetes dietitians recommend considering an intramuscular (IM) injection as a potential solution.

What is an Intramuscular Injection?

An intramuscular injection is a method of insulin delivery where the insulin is injected directly into muscle tissue rather than into the subcutaneous fat under the skin. Muscles are metabolically more active than fat, meaning they absorb insulin more quickly. This faster absorption can help lower high blood sugar levels more rapidly.

For people with diabetes, an intramuscular injection is typically administered into areas like the shoulder or thigh, where muscle tissue is easily accessible. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian, or T2D dietitian, may suggest this technique for those dealing with blood sugar levels that remain stubbornly high, even after multiple corrections.

Why Should Someone with Diabetes Know About Intramuscular Injections?

For individuals living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the challenge of managing stubbornly high blood sugar is a common frustration. When blood sugar levels hover around 262 or even higher, it can feel impossible to bring them back down. That’s where an intramuscular injection might come in handy.

By delivering insulin into the muscle instead of fat, the body absorbs the insulin more quickly, potentially helping bring blood sugar levels back into a safe range much faster. In situations where other methods of correction haven’t worked, an IM injection can be a valuable tool for quickly correcting blood sugar levels.

Exercise Caution: It Can Work Too Well

While an intramuscular injection can be incredibly effective, it’s important to approach it with caution. Because muscle absorbs insulin faster than fat, the resulting drop in blood sugar can sometimes be too rapid, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can be dangerous, especially if blood sugar levels drop too quickly.

Therefore, those using this technique must monitor their blood sugar closely to avoid the risk of hypoglycemia. Diabetes educators and dietitians often stress the importance of being prepared for this possibility, ensuring that individuals with diabetes are fully aware of how to manage their blood sugar after an IM injection.

Your diabetes care team should discuss intramuscular injections as a potential option for managing high blood sugar. If not, it may be worth bringing it up with a diabetes dietitian or educator. Understanding all available options for insulin delivery is crucial for effective diabetes management.

Seek advice from a provider and addressed this technique who offers a more comprehensive approach to diabetes care. Having a team that educates on various insulin delivery methods can make a significant difference in an individual’s ability to manage their blood sugar effectively.

When living with diabetes, having a variety of strategies to manage blood sugar levels is key. An intramuscular injection can be an effective option for rapidly lowering high blood sugars, but it should be used with caution.