Insulin syringes and needles

Needles are attached to the syringes. Needles are available in different sizes and are measured by their thickness (gauge or G) and their length (in mm), eg, 31 gauge x 8 mm.

• The higher the gauge, the thinner the needle, eg, a 31 gauge needle is thinner than a 28 gauge needle. 
• The shortest needle size available in Aotearoa New Zealand for syringes is 8 mm.
• Shorter length needles are best to use for insulin as they help ensure the dose is delivered into the subcutaneous fatty layer just beneath your skin, and not deeper into the intramuscular layer.
• Longer needles may be a better option for people with coordination difficulties or larger people with higher BMIs.
• Learn more about insulin administration.

Syringe and needle sizes available in Aotearoa New Zealand

The following sizes are funded:

• 0.3 mL with 29 gauge x 12.7 mm needle
• 0.3 mL with 31 gauge x 8 mm needle
• 0.5 mL with 29 gauge x 12.7 mm needle
• 0.5 mL with 31 gauge x 8 mm needle
• 1 mL with 29 gauge x 12.7 mm needle
• 1 mL with 31 gauge x 8 mm needle.

If you're not sure which syringe and needle size is best for you, or if you need to change sizes, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Note: Needles for insulin pens are available in different sizes (4 mm to 12.7 mm in length). Read more about insulin pens and needles. 

Funding

A new needle should be used with every injection. In Aotearoa New Zealand you can have 200 subsidised (free) needles on a prescription. If you need more than 200 needles in 3 months, you will need another prescription and this will still be free.

The decision to use syringes or pens is a personal one. Here are some points to think about:

• Insulin pens are easy to carry around and make measuring and injecting your insulin easier. Injections with a pen can be done discretely. Most pens hold 300 units of insulin and can give up to 60 to 80 units at a time. Most insulins are available as pens. Pens use a 4 mm needle, which makes it easier to inject into the subcutaneous fatty layer under your skin.
• Insulin syringes only hold up to 100 units but they may be best if you need to mix insulins or if you're giving insulin to a child.

Talk to your healthcare provider for more advice. Read more about insulin pens and insulin injection technique.

• Use a new needle and syringe for each injection.
• It's important to always keep a supply of spare needles and syringes, so you don't run out.
• Always dispose of your needles and syringes safely in a sharps bin. Read more about the safe disposal of syringes, needles and other sharps.