Skin and subcutaneous adipose layer thickness in adults with diabetes at sites used for insulin injections: implications for needle length recommendations.

Objective: During subcutaneous insulin therapy, inadvertent intramuscular (IM) injections may increase pain and/or adversely affect glucose control. The most appropriate needle length for patients depends on skin thickness (ST) and the distance to muscle fascia. ST and subcutaneous adipose layer thickness (SCT) were measured in adults with diabetes.