Why does insulin need to be refrigerated

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Can vaping help you quit smoking? Harvard Health Blog Safe and effective use of insulin requires proper storage. Print This Page Click to Print. Brian B.

The longer the exposure to extreme temperatures, the less effective the insulin becomes. This can result in loss of blood glucose control over time. You should try to keep insulin as cool as possible. If you are using ice, avoid freezing the insulin. Do not use insulin that has been frozen. Keep insulin away from direct heat and out of direct sunlight.

When properly stored insulin becomes available again, the insulin vials that have been exposed to these extreme conditions should be discarded and replaced as soon as possible. If patients or healthcare providers have specific questions about the suitability of their insulin, they may call the respective manufacturer at the following numbers:. Lilly: Sanofi-Aventis: Novo Nordisk: Insulin contained in the infusion set of a pump device e.

Insulin contained in the infusion set of a pump device and exposed to temperature exceeding All the money that we raise through the IDDT Lottery goes directly to help people with diabetes and their families. Find out more. NICE is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health.

IDDT International. Close Search. Insulin that is not in use should be stored in the refrigerator. If refrigeration is not possible, it can be kept at room temperature [ degrees C] for 28 days. The in use vial may be kept at room temperature [ degrees C] for 28 days.

People with type 1 diabetes inject insulin to help sugar enter cells. The disease causes elevated blood sugar levels, which can cause coma, blindness, amputation and death if not managed. Current pharmaceutical protocols call for patients to store insulin at In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, where not every household has a refrigerator, people with diabetes must go to the hospital for injections several times a day.

That creates a travel burden, limits their ability to work and increases discrimination.