The proper way to store insulin

Importance of Proper Insulin Storage

• The stability of insulin is susceptible to a number of factors, such as temperature, light, and vibration, all of which can affect the efficacy of insulin.

• Improper storage can spoil insulin, reducing its effectiveness.

Why Insulin Spoils

• Insulin is a fine protein molecule, similar to milk, which is also a protein.

• In winter, when left below freezing, milk freezes and insulin becomes ineffective.

• In summer, fresh milk without preservatives, if not kept in the refrigerator, will deteriorate, curdle into lumps, or even become tofu crumb-like.

• Similarly, at high temperatures, insulin breaks down, denatures, and is significantly less effective.

Storage Guidelines

Unopened Insulin

• Store in a refrigerator at a low temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, not close to the back wall of the refrigerator to avoid freezing.

• Do not place on the refrigerator door to avoid vibration from opening and closing.

• The best fixed position is in the refrigerator close to the door.

• Regularly clean the refrigerator to keep it clean.

• Prohibited from being placed in the refrigerator’s freezing layer or freezer; even if frozen insulin has melted, it cannot be used.

Room Temperature Considerations

• Ensure the room temperature is lower than 25 degrees Celsius, as higher temperatures decrease the biological activity of insulin, reducing its efficacy.

• Have a thermometer at home to monitor temperature.

• If the temperature exceeds 25 degrees, even opened insulin should be placed in the refrigerator to prevent loss of effectiveness.

• If concerned about insulin being too cold from the refrigerator, take it out 30 minutes before injection to rewarm it.

• Storing insulin in the refrigerator is better than injecting failed insulin due to improper storage.

Traveling with Insulin

• Insulin therapy cannot be interrupted and must be carried during travel for business or pleasure.

• Temperature Management:

• For temperatures between 2 and 25 degrees Celsius, insulin can be carried in a handbag or backpack.

• If the temperature exceeds 25 degrees, keep insulin in an insulin cooler.

• When taking a bus, do not place the bag with insulin on the engine.

• When taking a train, do not place insulin close to a computer or a cup of hot water.

• When driving a private car, do not place insulin in the trunk; use a small refrigerator instead.

• When traveling by plane, do not check insulin with luggage to avoid freezing and inactivation.

• Reason: Higher temperatures and prolonged exposure reduce insulin’s effectiveness. Temperatures exceeding 50 degrees can quickly render insulin ineffective.

Avoiding Shock and Vibration

• Insulin has two amino acids linked by a disulfide bond; violent shock can break this bond, destroying insulin’s bioactivity and leading to drug failure.

• Hold insulin flat to prevent dropping.

• Avoid running when carrying insulin, and avoid violent bumps when going up or down stairs.

• For pre-mixed or mixed insulin, routinely shake before use but avoid excessive shaking.

Key Notes

1. There are many different types of insulin; read the drug’s instructions before using each type and use within the expiration date.

2. Once opened, insulin is good for 4 weeks (28 days) and should be discarded whether or not it is used up.

3. Every time you open a new bottle of insulin or before each injection, check for discoloration, deterioration, turbidity, crystallization, icing, or flocculent. If any abnormality is found, prohibit its use.

4. During insulin injection, closely monitor blood glucose changes. If blood glucose becomes abnormally high, check whether the insulin is properly preserved before increasing the dosage or changing the insulin type.

The information is from the Internet and is for reference only.