A blood test that measures average blood glucose over the past 2 to 3 months.
Outdated term for type 2 diabetes.
A type of cell in the pancreas that makes and releases a hormone called glucagon.
Cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
The main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy. Also called blood sugar.
The amount of glucose (sugar) in a given amount of blood. It is reported as the number of milligrams of glucose in a deciliter of blood, or mg/dL.
A hand-held machine that tests blood glucose levels. A drop of blood, obtained by pricking a finger, is placed on a small strip that is inserted in the meter which measures and displays the blood glucose level.
Checking blood glucose (blood sugar) levels on a regular basis in order to manage diabetes. A blood glucose meter is needed for frequent blood glucose monitoring.
One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide carbohydrate include starches, breads, vegetables, fruits, milk products, and sugars.
A healthcare professional with expertise in diabetes education who has met eligibility requirements and successfully completed a certification exam.
An emergency condition in which extremely high blood glucose levels, along with a severe lack of insulin, result in the breakdown of body fat for energy and an accumulation of ketones in the blood and urine. DKA can cause nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, fruity breath odor, and rapid breathing. Untreated DKA can lead to coma and death.
The amount of a medicine to be taken within a given period.
One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide fat include butter, margarine, salad dressing, oil, nuts, meat, poultry, fish, and some dairy products. Excess calories are stored as body fat, providing the body with a reserve supply of energy.
A specific, unchanging amount of a medicine.
A hormone produced by the alpha cells in the pancreas. Glucagon raises blood glucose by releasing glucose from liver. Glucagon is also available as an injectable drug for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
The sugar that the body makes from the three elements of food — proteins, fats, and carbohydrates — but mostly from carbohydrates. Glucose is the major source of energy for living cells. Because glucose is carried to each cell through the bloodstream, it is often called "blood glucose" or "blood sugar."
Also called high blood glucose. Hyperglycemia can happen when the body does not have enough insulin or when the body can't use insulin properly. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, blurred vision, and fatigue.
Also called low blood glucose. Symptoms may include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion, and blurred vision.
A class of type 2 diabetes drugs that "mimic" the effects of naturally occurring hormones from the intestines and can help the body make more of its own insulin.
A hormone produced in the pancreas by beta cells, which is necessary for glucose (blood sugar) to be able to enter certain cells of the body and be used for energy.
Outdated term for type 1 diabetes.
The body's inability to respond to and use the insulin it produces. Insulin resistance may be linked to obesity, hypertension, and high levels of fat in the blood.
Chemical substances that are made by the body when fat is used as a fuel source instead of glucose. When ketones build up to a great extent in the body, serious illness or coma can result.
A large organ in the body that has many functions, including the production and storage of glucose.
Outdated term for type 2 diabetes.
The generic name for an oral anti-diabetic medicine (brand name: Glucophage®) that works by decreasing the amount of glucose that your liver makes on its own. It also works by making the cells in your body more sensitive to the insulin in your body.
An organ located behind the lower part of the stomach that produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, and releases them into the bloodstream to help control blood glucose levels. The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes.
One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide protein include meat, poultry, fish, cheese, milk, dairy products, eggs, and dried beans. Proteins are also used in the body to build cells, to create insulin and other hormones, and other functions.
A container for disposal of used needles and syringes; often made of hard plastic so that needles cannot poke through.
A class of oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas to make more insulin. Examples include Amaryl® (glimepiride), Glucotrol® (glipizide), and Micronase® (glyburide).
A class of oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that helps lower blood glucose by making cells more sensitive to insulin. Examples include Actos® (pioglitazone) and Avandia® (rosiglitazone).
A condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by a lack of insulin production. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes develops most often in young people but can appear in adults and affects 10% of people living with diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to sustain life.
A condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by either a lack of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin efficiently. Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults but can appear in young people, and is the most common form of diabetes.
Using the BYETTA Pen
Listed below are some of the most common questions people have about using the BYETTA Pen. For additional information and troubleshooting tips, please refer to the 5-mcg User Manual or 10-mcg User Manual. To view an interactive tutorial that demonstrates how to use the BYETTA Pen, click here.
- What needle sizes can be used with the BYETTA Pen?
- Where do I get needles for the BYETTA Pen?
- Why do I have to use a new needle for each injection?
- How often will I need a new BYETTA Pen?
- How should I dispose of the BYETTA Pen and needles?
- Do I need to do the New Pen Setup before every dose?
- Will a small bubble affect my dose of BYETTA?
- How can I tell when my injection is complete?
- Why is BYETTA leaking from the needle after I finished my injection?
What needle sizes can be used with the BYETTA Pen?
The BYETTA Pen is suitable for use with a variety of pen needles. The pen needle sizes listed below are compatible with the BYETTA Pen (click here for an easy-to-print chart).
- 31-gauge (thinner) x 3/16" (5mm) (shorter)
- 31-gauge x 5/16" (8mm)
- 29-gauge (thin) x 1/2" (12.7mm)
Patients should consult with their healthcare professional to determine the size of pen needle appropriate for them.
Where do I get needles for the BYETTA Pen?
Pen needles are not included with your BYETTA Pen. Pen needles must be purchased separately at a pharmacy and may require a prescription.
Why do I have to use a new needle for each injection?
Reusing a needle could cause problems such as a wrong dose, a broken pen, or an infection. Never leave a needle attached to the pen after use. This can cause BYETTA to leak out or air bubbles to form in the cartridge.
How often will I need a new BYETTA Pen?
Each new BYETTA Pen contains 60 doses of BYETTA for 30 days of twice daily use. Thirty days after you use your pen for the first time, you will need to throw that pen away—even if there is still medicine inside—and start using a new pen. You should never use your BYETTA Pen after the expiration date printed on the label.
How should I dispose of the BYETTA Pen and needles?
Disposal of a BYETTA Pen should be done in accordance with guidelines from your healthcare professional and local disposal laws. Needles should be disposed of in a sharps container or as directed by your healthcare professional. For proper needle disposal procedures in your state, visit www.safeneedledisposal.org.
Do I need to do the New Pen Setup before every dose?
No. The New Pen Setup is not required before every dose with the BYETTA Pen. Setup should only be performed when you receive a new BYETTA Pen. If you repeat the New Pen Setup before each injection, there will not be enough medication to last 30 days. The New Pen Setup is required to check the flow of BYETTA from the tip of the needle. The medication should leave the needle tip in drops or a stream. For additional information and troubleshooting tips, please refer to the 5-mcg User Manual or 10-mcg User Manual.
Will a small bubble affect my dose of BYETTA?
A small air bubble is normal. It will not harm you or affect your dose.
How can I tell when my injection is complete?
Because the amount of medication being delivered is very small, you may not "feel" the medication being injected. Your injection is complete when the injection button comes to a hard stop and cannot be pressed any further. A triangle (▲) symbol will be fully visible and centered in the dose window. Continue depressing and holding the injection button while you count slowly to 5 to ensure you get your full dose.
Why is BYETTA leaking from the needle after I finished my injection?
It is normal for a single drop to remain on the tip of your needle after your injection is complete. If you see more than one drop, this indicates that you may not have received your full dose. Do not inject another dose. Consult your healthcare professional about how to handle a partial dose. To prevent the needle from leaking in the future, firmly push and hold the injection button in and slowly count to five.
For additional information and troubleshooting tips, please refer to the 5-mcg User Manual or 10-mcg User Manual. To view an interactive tutorial that demonstrates how to use the BYETTA Pen, click here.
