Insulin jet injectors deliver insulin without the use of needles. Instead, a high-pressure air mechanism pushes a mist of the medication into the body through spaces between skin cells. This provides patients with diabetes an alternative method of insulin delivery, especially for patients who cannot use or are uncomfortable using needles and syringes. Other benefits may include more rapid absorption of insulin and a reduced occurrence of insulin-induced atrophy.

The use of insulin jet injectors comes with certain risks. Jet injectors are expensive and may not be covered by health insurance. These devices require regular cleaning to avoid bacterial contamination – requirements that are not associated with disposable needles and syringes.

In addition, some patients find high-pressure air delivery to be as painful as needle injection. Jet injectors may cause bruising, especially for people with less fat under their skin, such as thin people, children and the elderly.

Patients will have to adjust their insulin use when switching from a needle and syringe to an insulin jet injector. Using an injector device may change absorption rates, peak insulin activity and insulin levels. For these reasons, patients should monitor their glucose (blood sugar) level and work closely with their diabetes care team while making the transition to an injector.