Becton Dickinson, also referred to as BD, is among the world's largest suppliers of diabetic products. The company provides syringes, lancets, pen needles, disposal products, and other diabetes accessories to individuals and medical institutions throughout the world.

Becton Dickinson Syringes

As of 2011, Becton Dickinson produces more syringes than any other distributor. The company currently manufactures four primary types of syringe: BD Ultra-Fine Needle, BD Ultra-Fine Short Needle, BD Micro-Fine Needle, and BD Safety-Engineered Syringes. All Becton Dickinson syringes are coated with a lubricant to ease injection, are manufactured with stainless steel, and are made without rubber latex to avoid possible allergic reactions.

The four Becton Dickinson syringes vary from each other primary in gauge and length. The length of a syringe is how long the needle is, while the gauge is its thickness. The higher the needle's gauge, the thinner it is. Here are the primary differences between Becton Dickinson syringes:

• BD Ultra-Fine Needle: BD-Ultra Fine Needles are 30-guage, 12.7mm (1/2") long syringe needles.
• BD Ultra-Fine Short Needle: BD Ultra-Fine Short Needles are 31-gauge and 8mm (5/16") long. Becton Dickinson recommends that patients consult with their physician before switching to a shorter needle, as it may result in changes to blood glucose levels.
• BD Micro-Fine Needle: BD Micro-Fine Needle are 28-gauge, 12.7mm (1/2") long diabetic syringes.

Becton Dickinson syringes are typically purchased in boxes of 100, and can be purchased from pharmacies or reputable online diabetic medical suppliers.

Becton Dickinson Products: Lancets and Pen Needles

After syringes, Becton Dickinson's two most popular products are lancets and pens needles:

• BD Ultra-Fine Lancets: Becton Dickinson manufactures two styles of lancets, the BD Ultra-Fine 33 and 30 gauges. The company claims that its smallest lancet, the 33 gauge, is 49% thinner than their next leading competitors.
• BD Pen Needles: Becton Dickinson pen needles come in four different lengths and gauges, ranging from large 'original' pen needles to the short 'nano'. All BD pen needles are guaranteed by the company to be compatible any diabetes pen sold within the United States as of December, 2010.

Becton Dickinson Products: Disposal Units and Miscellaneous Accessories

The remaining diabetic products manufactured by Becton Dickinson fall under the category of diabetic disposal products or diabetic accessories.

• Diabetic Disposal Units: Syringes and pen needles are sharp, and disposing of them improperly can lead to injury or the accidental sharing of blood. To help avoid these problems, Becton Dickinson produces safe disposal products for people with diabetes. The BD Home Sharps Container gives diabetics a secure place to throw away needles at home, while the BD Safe-Clip Device allows users to snip the end of needles before putting them in the trash. Disposal products are often used by hospitals, but are often also a good idea for diabetics with small children or non-secure garbage facilities.
• Diabetic Accessories: Becton Dickinson products also include a few accessories. BD alcohol swabs allow diabetics to clean their skin before and after injecting, preventing dirt from causing infection or disturbing samples. The BD Magni-Guide is another popular accessory, which magnifies syringes and eases insertion for diabetics with vision trouble.

Finding Becton Dickinson Products

If you think Becton Dickinson products might be a good match for you, talk to your physician to find out more. If he or she agrees that they're a good fit, you can easily purchase Becton Dickinson syringes and medical supplies from a number of sources. As of 2011, several Becton Dickinson syringes and pen needles are covered by healthcare plans, including Medicare Part D.