The guidelines for insulin storage vary. It all depends on factors such as whether the product is opened or unopened, the type of insulin you are using, and whether the insulin is in a vial or pen.

As a general rule, insulin storage should be in the refrigerator and kept at a room temperature ideally between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 7 degrees Celsius).  That doesn't mean that the insulin won't be good if it is not stored at this particular temperature.  It just means that it is the ideal temperature for storing especially longer periods of time.  Most insulin is made to store unrefrigerated up to 28 days at room temperature while continuing to maintain its potency.

It is important to keep it from constant exposure to direct sunlight, as this may diminish its potency.  On the contrary, if it is stored in temperatures less than 35 degrees Fahrenheit, it may also be damaging to the potency.  There have been some reports that injecting cold insulin is very uncomfortable.  If there are any doubts to injecting or pumping insulin stored for short periods of time at room temperature, hopefully this has answered them for you.     

Insulin Storage While Traveling

If you are traveling, it is important to have an insulin case to carry all youe diabetic supplies.  Make sure that the bottles are protected during a flight (if they are packed in a suitcase).  Protecting it with a padded carry case within the suitcase seems to work best.  Many hotels have a mini bar which works very well for storing insulin.  If not, then make sure if you are away for a prolonged period of time that you pack enough to sustain, or that you have a connection to replenish if you need more. If it is necessary to carry insulin during a journey,the insulin should be wrapped with a water-soaked piece of cloth or in a pre-cooled thermos flash,so that temperature remains the same. It is therefore very important to keep insulin away from heat and heat conditions.

Insulin Storage and Emergency Conditions

Any period of time without insulin is an emergency.  The first priority is to have some ready in case any situation arises.  This may mean hurricane, earthquake or blizzard.  Along with insulin storage, equipment can be just as important.  Make sure that syringes are available, and, if necessary, rubbing alcohol to clean them (it).  Also, it may be wise to carry a syringe even if you use a pump, as this may come in handy during periods without electricity. 

At high temperatures,Insulin loses potency , but such insulin does not appear to affect your health. You can use it but you might have to use more insulin than usual in order to adequately control your blood sugar levels.

A few people have noticed unexpected high blood glucose when using Humalog and report that Humalog can deteriorate faster in extreme hot conditions  tas compared to Novolog. It's certain that control problems can occur for other reasons such as incorrect basals and boluses that do not match the need for insulin. But Humalog insulin appears to be less stable and more likely to lose activity, especially when exposed to excess cold or heat. Test must be performed often and if ever your insulin does not appear to be having its expected effect, check for particles in the vial and open a new one if needed.

If you have specific questions about the suitability of your insulin, you may call the respective manufacturer at the following numbers :

Lilly: 1-800-545-5979
Aventis: 1-800-633-1610
Novo Nordisk: 1-800-727-6500

Switching Insulin

Moreover,If you are in a situation that you need to change insulin ,you should seek medical advice first by calling your health care provider.

Switching advice regarding Short-acting and rapid-acting insulins

One brand of short acting or regular insulin (e.g. Novolin R,Humulin R) may be substituted for another brand of regular insulin and for rapid-acting insulins (e.g., Humalog, NovoLog), and vice versa, this can be done on a unit-per-unit basis.

Insulin storage is a major part for those living with diabetes .  It may be the difference between life and death in emergency conditions.  It is always better to be prepared ahead of time rather than scrambling at the last second to try to make things work.  Post reminders when you are low on insulin and continue to store it in a safe place.  

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