In addition, patients are often more accurate at measuring doses with pens than with syringes. However, the pen needle must be left in the skin slightly longer than with a syringe injection. Pens may be easier to use than syringes for people with poor physical coordination. Some pens have large-print numbers and audible clicks to measure the dose as it is dialed in, which may benefit those with impaired vision. One new model, however, allows patients to fill the pen from a standard insulin vial, and thus to personalize mixtures of insulin.
Pens are somewhat more expensive than syringes.
Jet Injectors Jet injectors use a high-pressure jet of air to send a fine stream of insulin through the skin. While the elimination of needle sticks may sound appealing, these devices have had only limited use so far. Even after considering the following factors, be sure to ask your doctor if you can try out a jet injector first before making a purchase. Jet injectors deliver accurate doses that are more rapidly absorbed than subcutaneous injections. They may be of particular benefit for patients who have an extreme fear of needles.