The recommended sites for insulin injection are abdomen, buttocks and thighs. Once the site is chosen, the skin should not be pinched up prior to injection unless the person has been advised to do so.

The insulin is administered at a 90% angle and the user typically asked to keep the syringe or pen plunger fully depressed for 6 to 10 seconds before withdrawing, which seeks to ensure that all insulin administered is delivered subcutaneously.

Injection sites should always be rotated to prevent lipohypertrophy. This is the growth of local fat in the skin as a consequence of the anabolic property of insulin which can impede the absorption of insulin and hence its action on lowering blood glucose levels.

The needle must then be disposed of in a safe manner using an appropriate container.