How to determine the correct needle length

Choosing the correct needle length

Choosing the correct pen needle is primarily a matter of deciding what the appropriate cannula length is. The thickness of the skin (or the body mass index), as well as the correct injection technique (angled or vertical injection) are important factors in this. The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of your weight with respect to your height.

Age of the diabetic	Body structure (BMI)	Recommended cannula length
		Injection without skin fold, vertical or at an angle	Injection with skin fold, vertical or at an angle
Children under 12 years Very slim adults	all	6 mm	6 mm / 8 mm
Adolescents (12-18 years)	normal overweight*	6 mm 6 mm / 8mm	8 mm 8 mm / 10 mm
Adults	normal overweight*	6 mm / 8 mm 8 mm / 10 mm*	8 mm / 10 mm 10 mm / 12 mm

*overweight = (BMI > 25)

Recommendation:
For injections into the upper thigh the cannula length should not exceed 8 mm, a skin fold should be made, and the injection should be made at an angle.

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You can calculate your BMI here immediately online.

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