Insulin Storage
You are Here: Life with Diabetes Insulin Storage
Good insulin care begins with proper insulin storage. Insulin will not work well when it's stored for too long prior to use. Insulin should also not be exposed to extreme temperatures. If you choose to buy insulin in bulk and store it, you should keep the unopened units in your refrigerator. Do not store your bulk insulin in the freezer. Insulin clumps at temperatures below 36F. You should always check the date on a new bottle prior to use. If the insulin is older than one month, it is usually recommended that it not be used and discarded properly.
Insulin Storage-Opened Containers
If you normally use a whole bottle in one month's time, it is usually ok to keep the open bottle stored at room temperature. Insulin will normally stay fresh for up to one month without refrigeration. The temperature should never exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for opened vials. If you prefer keeping all your insulin in the refrigerator, make sure to let the insulin warm up before injecting it. Insulin that is cold can make the shot a lot more uncomfortable. To warm up the insulin, draw up the right amount into the syringe and then roll the syringe gently between your hands until it feels warm.
Visual Inspection of Stored Insulin
Rapid and short-acting insulin should look clear. There shouldn't be any cloudiness or little particles floating in the insulin liquid. Rapid and short acting insulin should never have a change in color. Intermediate and long-acting insulin should look cloudy. However, you should not see any large clumps floating in either intermediate or long acting insulin. If your insulin ever looks improper to you, have someone else verify its stability prior to injection. If no one else is able to verify the stability of the insulin for you, do not use it. It is better to discard any product you are not sure of than to risk your health.
There are so many facets of your diabetes care that are important. Insulin storage would be very near the top of the list. Always store insulin according to the manufacturers guidelines and visually inspect all insulins prior to use. And remember; always use insulin according to your doctor's recommendations.