An insertion apparatus and a method for use with a device for delivery of a therapeutic fluid into a body of a patient and/or for sensing of a bodily analyte are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for loading therein at least one cannula cartridge unit having a protective member. The protective member accommodates at least one penetrating cartridge having a subcutaneously insertable element and a penetrating member. The apparatus includes a displacement mechanism capable of protracting the penetrating cartridge towards the body of the patient, where protraction of the penetrating cartridge results in insertion of the subcutaneously insertable element into the body of the patient.
