Getting your insulin storage spot on-managing temperatures and keeping tabs on when you first opened your pen or vial-can feel like a full-time job on top of your daily to-do list.
You might reckon it's all about keeping your pens and vials chilled, refrigerated or shielded from the sunlight, but there's more to it than that.
Sadly, loads of insulin pens and vials go off every day in the UK because they're not stored properly. This not only means tonnes of meds down the drain but also serious health risks from using dodgy insulin.
In this article, I'm going to walk you through 10 typical slip-ups diabetics make with their insulin storage. Trust me, steering clear of these could really change the game!
How to Store Insulin: A Quick Reminder!
Before we get started into the common insulin storage mistakes, let's nail down some essentials. Insulin storage temperatures vary quite a bit depending on what brand and type of insulin you're using. So, rule number one: always check the manufacturer's guidelines for the nitty-gritty on how to store your insulin properly.
All insulin must be kept in the fridge before it's first used. When you store it right refrigerated, it'll last until the expiry date marked on each pen or vial.
Once you've started using a pen or a vial or taken it out of the fridge, how long you can keep it at room temperature varies. For example, brands Lantus, Novolog, Humalog or Fiasp are fine for 28 days, whereas Novolin N, Levemir, or Toujeo can stretch up to 42 days.
During this room temp stint, it's crucial to keep all insulin types stored away from heat and never let them get warmer than 25°C or up to 30°C for some.
Storing Insulin in the Fridge
So, when you get your new insulin pens and vials from the pharmacy, the first thing you want to do is store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them. While it seems straightforward, there are some common mistakes to watch out for when storing your insulin in the fridge!
Mistake #1: Storing Insulin in the Fridge Door
We all love the handiness of the fridge door, don't we? But hang on a minute! It might seem like a good spot for storing your insulin, but actually, it's not the best idea.
Why? Well, the door is the warmest part of the fridge because it's opened and closed so much, which causes the temperature to change a lot. This is also true for the bottom shelves and the sides of the fridge.
Instead, you should keep your insulin in the main part of the fridge where the temperature stays more constant.
Also, try not to cram too much into your fridge. Overloading it can block the airflow, which is crucial for keeping a steady temperature that's safe for your insulin.
Related article: Can You Use Insulin That's Been Left Out for 1 Hour or Overnight?
Mistake #2: Not Checking Expiry Dates
Even when you've stored your insulin in the fridge correctly, remember, insulin still expires. Every pen and vial is clearly marked with an expiry date.
Using out-of-date insulin can really throw off your diabetes control and lead to high blood sugar levels consistently. Honestly, risking your health like that just isn't worth it when you can easily avoid it.
So, what should you do? Always make a point to check the expiry date each time you start using a new vial or pen. It's a simple step, but it can save you a heap of hassle later on.
Adopt the "first in, first out" or FIFO storage method for your insulin stash. This means you should always use the oldest vial or pen first before grabbing a new one. This practice helps you cut down the risk of ever having expired insulin stored in your fridge.
Mistake #3: Setting Fridge Temperatures Too Low
Now, let's talk about your fridge temperature settings. Ideally, insulin should be stored in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C. However, a frequent blunder is setting the fridge too cold.
If it's too cold inside your fridge, you risk freezing your insulin, which can damage it and make it useless. It's a wise move to pop a thermometer in your fridge to keep an eye on the temperature accurately. It's a small outlay for a lot of reassurances!
Also, make sure you don't store your insulin near the freezer compartment or anywhere it might end up touching ice.
Mistake #4: Not Storing Insulin in Its Original Packaging
A common slip-up many overlook is not storing your insulin vials and pens in their original carton boxes once you're back from the pharmacy. It's easy to think these boxes aren't needed anymore, but they actually play a crucial role!
Insulin doesn't take well to light, and those carton boxes are there to shield it from light exposure.
Besides, if you ditch the box, you could mix up different types of insulin or overlook important details on the labels.
So, do yourself a favour and keep those insulin vials and pens stored in their original cartons right up until you need to use them. Sure, they might hog a bit more space in your fridge, but this small hassle is a fair trade-off for keeping your insulin safe and your supplies tidy.
Mistake #5: Skipping Proper Refrigerated Insulin Storage for Travel
If you're travelling with unopened insulin pens or vials that need to stay refrigerated, those insulated lunch bags and ice packs just aren't up to snuff.
I've given it a go myself, and believe me, it's a headache! Those DIY cooler bags just don't hold up for medical needs. The ice ends up melting, making a soggy mess, and the temperature swings wildly-hardly ideal for your insulin storage needs. Plus, these homemade setups often don't meet airline standards, so you might even get them nabbed by security at the airport.
When you're travelling with insulin that needs refrigeration, it's worth investing in a proper medical-grade mini travel fridge for insulin, like the ones from 4AllFamily.
These are tailor-made for medications, keeping a steady temperature between 2°C and 8°C, so your insulin stays safe and sound while you're on the move. It means you can spend more time enjoying your trip instead of fretting over your insulin.
Storing Insulin at Room Temperature
Now, let's shift gears and discuss common mistakes when you store your insulin at room temperature.
Mistake #6: Storing Insulin Above 25°C
It might seem like a no-brainer, but this storage mistake is more common than you'd think. Even though most insulins can stay out of the fridge for up to a month, it should absolutely never be kept at temperatures over 25°C-or 30°C for certain brands.
If you're in or heading to a hotter climate, it's crucial to keep this in mind. Always store your insulin in a cool spot, well away from any heat sources like cookers, chimneys, or sunlit windows. Even a short spell in the heat can spoil your insulin, rendering it useless.
Should the ambient temperature creep above 25°C, it's safer to keep your in-use insulin pens or vials chilled in the fridge or tucked inside an insulin travel case cooler.
Related article: What Happens If Insulin Gets Warm? Essential Safety Tips!
Mistake #7: Leaving Insulin in Direct Sunlight
A sunny day at the beach might be glorious for you, but it's bad news for your insulin. Storing insulin in direct sunlight can cause it to break down quickly, making it ineffective.
The fix? Always keep your insulin in the shade, whether you're at home, in the garden, or out and about. If you're travelling, find a shaded spot for your cooler and never leave your insulin exposed to the sun for long.
Mistake #8: Not Keeping Track of Opening Dates
It's a common insulin storage mistake to lose track of when you first popped open your insulin-it's fine to keep it out of the fridge after opening, but remember, it only stays good for about a month. If it goes beyond that, you ought to bin it, even if there's some left.
Pro tip: The moment you open a new vial or pen, jot down the opening date directly on it with a permanent marker. Or, keep a wee notebook specifically for this purpose. That way, you'll never gamble with expired insulin!
Mistake #9: Not Using an Insulin Cooling Case When It's Hot!
Always carry your insulin chilled when you're gallivanting about, especially in the summer. I learned my lesson during a particularly balmy road trip when my insulin got too warm and lost its effectiveness.
To avoid this, tote your insulin in medical-grade insulated cooling bags made just for meds. These are brilliant for keeping your insulin cool and safe, and giving you peace of mind while you're on the move.
From personal experience: I never head out for a summer day without my insulin cooler.
Related article: How to Pack Insulin for Travel: Keep it Cool, Safe, and Legal!
Mistake #10: Skipping the Discussion on Correct Insulin Storage
Lastly, don't overlook the importance of clueing in your mates, family, or anyone at home about how to properly store insulin.
When they grasp how vital it is for maintaining your health, they can play a massive role in ensuring your insulin remains cool, safe and effective. I always nudge my partner to check my insulin if I'm out and about-teamwork is key!
So, spare a moment to go over the essential insulin storage tips with your crew. Building a support network that's clued up on managing your diabetes medication means peace of mind for you, knowing you're all sorted no matter what.
And there you go! Steer clear of these common boo-boos to keep your insulin in tip-top shape. Remember, going the extra mile for your health is always worth it!
Keen to dive deeper into our products designed for insulin storage during your travels? Have a look at our selection of coolers on 4AllFamily.uk or drop our team a line!
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Got any insulin storage tales or tips? Learned something the hard way? Don't be shy-share your stories or pop your questions in the comments below. We're all ears!
