Quick Answer: using insulin straight from the fridge can increase discomfort during the injection.But it's a matter of comfort rather than safety, as cold insulin is as safe and effective as room-temperature insulin.
It's crucial to keep your insulin refrigerated until first use to make sure it stays effective, right? However, there's a bit of a debate about whether it's all right to inject insulin when it's fresh out of the fridge.
So, let's clear up this common query: Is it really okay to use insulin straight from the fridge? And what happens if you do so? Let's dive into that!
Can You Inject Cold Insulin Straight From the Fridge?
While your unopened insulin pens, vials, and cartridges must be kept refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C, it is not recommended to inject insulin straight from the fridge. Indeed, using cold insulin can increase pain or discomfort during the injection.
It's a matter of comfort rather than safety, as cold insulin is as effective as room-temperature insulin. Therefore, when cold insulin is the only available option, you can safely inject it.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration or Cooling!
Why is injecting cold insulin more painful?
When injecting insulin straight from the fridge, some people report suffering from a stinging or burning sensation at the injection site. Generally, this type of discomfort lasts for a few seconds or minutes only.
There are several reasons why injecting cold insulin may be more painful. First, the liquid may be more viscous or thicker than insulin that has been stored at room temperature.
The coldness may also cause the tissue at the injection site to react and contract, leading to increased resistance and pain during the injection.
Another explanation could be that cold insulin may take longer to absorb into the bloodstream, leading to increased discomfort for the patient. However, there's no study on that specific point.
Is cold insulin less effective?
Cold insulin that has been stored in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C is not less effective. Quite the opposite in fact, as refrigeration is the only way to maintain and prolong insulin's efficacy.
However, be aware that insulin loses effectiveness when exposed to extremely cold temperatures. When frozen, insulin solution becomes crystals that break the molecule. Once it has frozen, insulin isn't safe for use anymore, even if it has thawed afterward. Therefore, it's essential to ensure your insulin never freezes! Insulin freezing point is the same as water: 0°C. To maintain a safety margin, insulin should never be exposed to temperatures under 2°C.
That's why 4AllFamily's insulin travel case coolers are equipped with anti-freeze security!
Never warm insulin
When taking a new bottle or pen of insulin from your fridge, you can gently warm it up to prevent pain during the injection. Roll the vial or pen between your palms, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before injecting.
But never warm insulin in any other way, such as with a microwave or hot water, as exposure to hot temperatures can quickly spoil your medicine and make it go bad.
Why Should Insulin Be Stored in the Fridge?
All types and brands of insulin sold in the UK should be stored in the refrigerator before first use, including Lantus, Novolog, Humalog, Tresiba, and others.
Insulin is a protein hormone that quickly becomes bad when exposed to heat or extremely cold temperatures, affecting its effectiveness and ability to lower blood sugar levels.
Following insulin manufacturers' storage instructions is essential. Failure to do so can seriously affect the efficacy of your injection and, ultimately, the success of your insulin therapy and diabetes management.
How to Avoid Pain When Injecting Insulin?
Insulin injections have come a long way, with today's needles being much finer, sharper, and better lubricated, designed to make the process as smooth and painless as possible.
Despite these improvements, it's common for some people to still feel discomfort while injecting insulin.
To help make your insulin injections more comfortable, here are a few practical tips:
- Let the insulin warm up to room temperature before injecting as using cold insulin can be more painful.
- Select the appropriate needle size: Using the correct needle size can make a significant difference.
- Use a new needle each time: Reusing needles can cause more pain due to blunted tips.
- Prep the injection site: Gently massaging the area before the injection can help.
- Rotate your injection sites: This prevents the skin from becoming too tender and can reduce discomfort.
- Quick and steady injection: Insert the needle quickly and at a 90-degree angle to ensure it's efficient and less painful.
- Dry your skin: Make sure the skin is dry before you inject to avoid any irritation.
- Stay relaxed: Taking deep breaths before injecting can help ease the process.
- Consider pain-reduction tools: Products like the Medtronic I-Port Advanced injection port or the ShotBlocker by Bionix are designed to minimize injection pain.
Experience with insulin can vary greatly from person to person. If you find injecting insulin particularly painful, or if using insulin straight from the fridge increases discomfort, these strategies might offer some relief.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Do you find insulin injections to be uncomfortable? Also, have you noticed if using insulin straight from the fridge makes the injection more painful? Your experiences are invaluable, and sharing them could help others in similar situations.
