Don't be afraid! I was in your shoes a week ago. I felt the same way you feel right know. I don't which needle they gave you with the pen. but the gave me the 31g and i don't even feel it. with my job I just have to remember to take it the second time. I know you can do it.

I just started Levemir a week ago! The nurse just told me to inject in my stomic area and off I went. It's strainge at first but I think I am getting used to it. I hate needles too, but I got a flex pen and it doesn't hurt so much most of the time. It's my fingers that are raw. I hate the testing 4 to 6 times a day again. YUCK I think the injection is easier and I only have to do it once a day. Only time will tell if I have to keep it up.

It was weird for me when I started too, a little over a year ago. I found it easier to sit while doing it, it just made it more convenient to grab a bit of fat that way. After a while though it'll seem quite easy. Best wishes to you.

many thanks for the reply its just the thought of it hurting,but guess it must be ok as alot of people have done it and survived to tell the tale.
Only this new pen Byetta is self contained so it looks a bit fierce but I will just have to g

I remember being really scared and not very happy when the doctor put me on Byetta; however it has worked well for me. My blood sugar is much better controlled. Someone else recommended using stomach and I agree, that's what works well for me. Minimal discomfort. Make sure you inject within a half hour of meal times or you may have some nausea. Vary the place on the stomach that you use, so one place doesn't get too sore. Hope that helps. Good luck.

I took byetta for awhile.It is really easy to inject.It doesn't hurt.I had to give it up because of side effects .I would of liked to stay on it .It was easier than pills.I take pills for other illness's you can do it good luck

I have been injecting for 15 years, now 5 to 6 times a day. I use a Pen.
It is important to rotate because the insulin or in your case the bayetta will build up scar tissue under the skin and make absorption more difficult. Away from your navel. I use both sides of stomach, buttocks, and upper arm. I stand by door frame and pinch the skin and inject with other hand. I can now do with both hands. Next step will be feet!!! Just kidding. I use 8 MM needles and never never twice.
You will get used to it and wonder why you were scared; all of us are the first time.

AlteFuchs,
Why do you never use a needle twice? They are so expensive, I have been using them twice.

Its not painful in the belly. I am blessed with a nice roll of fat that makes it very easy and almost painfree. Keep the big picture in mind. Your doing something that`s going to make you live and be healthier longer.

You sound just like I did when the doctor told me I would need to start using insulin because the glipizide would no longer control my blood sugar, I couldn't sleep that night. When I saw the doctor he showed me the sryinge and how small the needle was and let me try injecting myself. It's like a bee sting at the worse, it was over and done with before I knew it. I felt so foolish for being afraid. You won't know until that first injection, it will probably amount to nothing and the benefit from the medicine and seeing your blood sugar readings drop will make you feel good.

i am on insulin & have been for a year. you are lucky that you get to use a pen. i have to use a syringe, sometimes it is painful but most of the time it is no pain at all. i asked for a pen but my insurance will not cover it. it has helped.

Hi Bluejeans, Your worries are all in your head, theirs little pain very occasionally but nothing to worry about. Provided you have been given small needles (0.25mm) you will not notice it in a few weeks. its all psycological.
Just take your time, injecting too quickly will cause briusing. if you feel the needle when placing it on the skin, then move to another place, pinch the skin and hey ho its all over in seconds.
Byetta worked for me for a while, it stopped me feeling hungry and cured numerous urine infections overnight. It was a god send. You will be ok. Please dont worry.