Living with diabetes FAQs

BD pen needles can be used with all diabetes medication pens (Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk) sold in Canada.^†

Learn more about the BD Nano™ 4mm pen needle

BD currently offers pen needles in the following lengths and gauges:

• 4 mm x 32 G
• 5 mm x 31 G
• 8 mm x 31 G

However, you should know that the latest recommendations from diabetes experts for best practices in injection technique (FIT Canada) say that current research across a wide range of BMIs (19–65 kg/m²) supports the use of 4-mm pen needles to avoid the risk of intramuscular injection.¹

For the most consistent absorption, insulin needs to be injected into the subcutaneous tissue layer—the fatty layer under your skin.

If the needle goes too deep, it will inject into your muscle; this may cause your insulin to be absorbed too quickly. This can cause unpredictable blood sugar lows and highs.

Because the average skin thickness across the four most common injection sites (abdomen, thighs, buttocks and arms) is just an average of 2 mm, using a shorter needle reduces your risk of injecting into muscle.²

BD Nano™ 4mm Pen Needles have Extra Thin Wall technology, which means that the inside of the needle has been made wider. This allows for a freer flow of insulin and less thumb force when performing your injection.

Standard pen needles have 3 bevels (or cuts) on them. BD Nano™ 4mm Pen Needles have exclusive 5-bevel technology. This makes the needle tip thinner and flatter for a smoother and more comfortable injection.

All BD products are available at national retailers. Ask your pharmacist today. If a particular item is not available, your pharmacist can order it.

The cost for BD products is set by the retailer, so it varies from store to store.

Yes. They are covered by virtually all insurance plans.

In many cases, local communities establish disposal rules. You can check with your local guidelines. In general, you should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Never throw loose needles or lancets into the trash. If you are disposing of your own needle, clip the needle with a device such as the BD Safe-Clip™ needle clipper which can be ordered through your pharmacy
• Never handle someone else’s needle unless a healthcare professional trains you in proper injection technique and disposal. If you inject someone else or dispose of their needle, use extreme caution to avoid a needlestick injury, which can transmit serious infections.
• Never recap or destroy a needle that has been used by someone else. Immediately after injection, place the used needle in a proper container.
• Put the used needle into a BD sharps container or check with your local sanitation or health department regarding rules about proper disposal of used needles and sharps containers. Keep this container away from children. When the container is full, seal the lid securely and dispose of it properly.
• Never dispose of used needles or other medical waste in recyclable trash.

Visit the Health Products Stewardship Association for more information.

BD currently offers U-100 insulin syringes with BD 6-mm and 8-mm Ultra-Fine™ needles in the following sizes:

• 1 mL (100 unit)
• 1/2 mL (50 unit)
• 3/10 mL (30 unit) with half-unit markings

Learn more about the BD insulin syringe with the BD Ultra-Fine 6mm needle

Learn more about other BD insulin syringes