If that needle seems awfully long or kind of big, talk to your doctor or nurse about using a different size syringe. Smaller, shorter needles can reduce discomfort.

Poking yourself with a needle takes some getting used to. Thankfully there are products that can help. A favorite is the Inject-Ease. This device sends the filled syringe needle into your skin quickly and painlessly with the help of a spring-loaded mechanism.

There is more than one type of insulin. Insulin types are categorized by how long they take to begin affecting blood glucose levels and when they peak. Insulin also comes premixed, combining two types of insulin in a single dose. Proper dosing and the effect of insulin depends on the type(s) used. Because of this, one type of insulin cannot simply replace another.

Lipohypertrophy, also referred to as lipo, is when a bump of thickened tissue develops in the subcutaneous fat layer. Caused by repeatedly injecting insulin in the same spot, lipos make insulin absorption unpredictable and can lead to hypo- or hyper-glycemic episodes. The best way to avoid developing lipos is to change your injection site each time you take a shot.

Taking insulin shots by syringe is the most common way to take insulin, but it’s not the only option available. Insulin pens, insulin pumps, and even inhaled insulin are commonly used. Insulin pens contain cartridges of insulin and use disposable needles. Pens can make insulin more portable because they are compact and self-contained. Also, many insulin pens don’t require refrigeration once they’re opened.

Insulin pumps are becoming more common. This medical device attaches to the body using a catheter (called a subcutaneous cannula) and allows the user to inject insulin at the press of a button (after doing some math to calculate the dose needed, of course).

Inhaled insulin is also available. Using an oral inhaler (similar to those used for asthma) the person breaths in the insulin in as a mist. Inhaled insulins are limited to rapid-acting insulins.

Managing diabetes with insulin is complex. Thankfully, there is a practical guide written for the layperson. Gary Scheiner’s Think Like a Pancreas” lays it all out in plain language: the basics of what and how blood glucose is affected, how to insulin therapy works, and how to calculate insulin doses.

Insulin is a treatment, not a judgement. Some people won’t be comfortable seeing you giving yourself a shot. You might not feel comfortable taking a shot in public. These are times that call for teachable moments and problem solving—not skipping a dose and compromising your health.

Right after Chanel No. 5, insulin is the next most expensive liquid in the world at $9,400 per gallon. Thankfully, you don’t have to buy insulin by the gallon. But the high price will take a substantial bite out of your monthly budget, especially if your doctor prescribes an insulin not covered by your insurance or if you don’t have health insurance.

Lancet reports that less than half of the 63 million people with type 2 diabetes who need it worldwide have easy and affordable access to insulin. Looking ahead to 2030, as the number of people with type 2 diabetes is expected to more than double, the rate of insulin accessibility is not expected to improve.