Where can insulin glargine be administered subcutaneously?

• A. Only in the abdomen
• B. Only into the deltoid muscle
• C. Subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
• D. Intramuscular in the gluteal muscle

Answer: (C)

Insulin glargine is given by subcutaneous injection to provide a steady, long-acting effect. It can be administered into several subcutaneous sites, typically the abdomen, the outer thigh, or the upper arm. Rotating among these areas helps promote consistent absorption and reduce lipodystrophy, which can affect how well the insulin works. It is important to avoid intramuscular injections with insulin because delivering it into muscle can cause faster, less predictable absorption and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. That’s why the option describing subcutaneous administration in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm is the correct choice.