In the August 2010 issue, "Idea Exchange" ("Practice makes perfect when clients give insulin injections") wisely suggests that we have clients practice subcutaneous injections before starting home insulin injections in newly diagnosed diabetic patients. However, the idea suggests that clients practice with sterile water. Perhaps these patients do not obviously react if clients administer a small amount, but I can personally attest that sterile water packs quite a sting when administered subcutaneously. Sterile saline solution is a better choice since it doesn't sting.

Dr. Kelly Kasum
Mequon, Wis.