Should insulin refrigerated

Never store insulin in the freezer, direct sunlight, or in the glove compartment of a car. Check the expiration date before using, and don't use any insulin beyond its expiration date. Examine the bottle closely to make sure the insulin looks normal before you draw the insulin into the syringe. Syringe reuse Reusing syringes may help you cut costs, avoid buying large supplies of syringes, and reduce waste.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when reusing syringes: Keep the needle clean by keeping it capped when you're not using it. Never let the needle touch anything but clean skin and the top of the insulin bottle. Never let anyone use a syringe you've already used, and don't use anyone else's syringe. Cleaning it with alcohol removes the coating that helps the needle slide into the skin easily. Syringe disposal It's time to dispose of an insulin syringe when the needle is dull or bent or has come in contact with anything other than clean skin.

This corresponds to the time it usually takes a diabetic person to finish one vial of insulin. The findings published in the journal PLOS ONE, demonstrate that the stability of insulin stored under these conditions is the same as that of cold-stored insulin, with no impact on efficacy. This allows people with diabetes to manage their illness without having to visit a hospital multiple times daily. Type 1 diabetes is characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, which can have extremely serious consequences: coma, blindness, amputation or even death.

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 Switching insulin should always be done in consultation with a physician and requires close medical supervision, and if possible, close monitoring of blood glucose.

If medical supervision is not possible under emergency conditions, the following recommendations may be considered.

Make sure to closely monitor your blood glucose and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Can you put on weight if you have diabetes? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

Can type 2 diabetes become type 1 diabetes? Medically reviewed by Maria S. Prelipcean, MD. What are the early signs of type 2 diabetes?