Most people with type 1 diabetes use a needle inject insulin. This is done with a syringe, but there are several new devices or methods either available or under development. These are handy if you want the convenience of carrying insulin with you in a discreet way. An insulin pen looks like a cartridge pen.
Some pens use replaceable cartridges of insulin and other models are disposable.
The tip of the pen has a fine, short needle. Users turn a dial to select the desired dose of insulin and press a plunger on the end to deliver the insulin. These are great for people who fear needles, but they're expensive and you have to boil and sterilize the units frequently. External insulin pumps - These connect to narrow, flexible plastic tubing that ends with a needle inserted just under the skin near the abdomen. The insulin pump is about the size of a deck of cards, weighs about 3 ounces, and can be worn on a belt or in a pocket.