Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

The recommended angle for insulin injection for most individuals is 90 degrees. Injecting at this angle ensures that the insulin is delivered into the subcutaneous tissue where it can be effectively absorbed. When the needle is positioned perpendicular to the skin, it helps in minimizing the likelihood of injecting into muscle, which can lead to inconsistent absorption rates and potentially result in fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

Injecting at other angles, such as 30 or 45 degrees, may still be appropriate in certain situations, particularly when limited subcutaneous tissue is present (like in very thin individuals), but they are generally not the standard practice for most patients. The idea is to make the injection technique straightforward and consistent to ensure optimal outcomes in managing diabetes. The angle of 180 degrees is not a viable injection angle in this context, as it does not facilitate the proper delivery of insulin into the required tissue layer.