Bottle of insulin-specific information
The price of insulin and its impact on life and early death (mostly reported in the United States) have become daily topics of discussion on social media around the world for people with type 1 diabetes and type 2. Social media posts often demonstrate awareness raising efforts and/or peer support or interest from country to country (price comparison). The insulin affordability crisis on social media also includes discussions of 'insulin expiration', 'when to throw away' insulin, 'insulin storage' as a countermeasure against supply issues (including price) and donating insulin pens or vials to people in need. How insulin storage, use, and shelf life affect your safety, however, has not been examined.
There is a greater need than ever to increase public awareness that insulin storage/shelf life is an important variable in blood glucose management. Expiration dates on the bottles should be taken very seriously. Injecting insulin that has passed its expiry date poses a risk. Living with diabetes requires being vigilant in many ways, including identifying degraded or expired insulin. Insulin that is no longer effective carries a high risk, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hospitalization.
Here are some general rules to follow for your well-being and safety:
- When not in use, insulin should be stored safely in the refrigerator at 2-8°C.
- All types of insulin are affected by very cold or very hot temperatures, as well as direct sunlight. Never store insulin in a freezer or car (or in a suitcase checked in for air travel). If you have any doubt, throw it away.
- Check the expiration date. If exceeded, do not use insulin.
- Once you need to use the insulin (pen or vial with injection device or pump), it can stay at room temperature (up to 30°C) for the number of days you use it. Write down the date you open the bottle (the shelf life of the different types of insulin is shown below).
- The pumps are subject to the same constraints as above (do not leave the device in the car and do not expose it to heat or freezing). You must change the pump site every 3 days using the new insulin, but the same rules apply.
- If you are using a pen, keep it refrigerated until you start using it. Then leave it at room temperature (up to 30°C). Vials can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator until finished.
- Keep in mind that refrigerator temperature fluctuates. If you think your fridge temperature is too cold, check it with a thermometer and take action.
- When picking up your prescribed insulin, do not accept insulin that is past or very close to its expiry date. Ask for insulin with a later expiry date. also check that the insulin has been properly stored and refrigerated.
