How to store Insulin During Normal Situations and Disasters

According to the American Diabetes Association insulin can be properly stored and used as under;

• Insulin typically is stored in the refrigerator at approximately 35 to 46 degrees F, but it may be more painful when injected this way. Insulin stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F can still maintain potency for up to 28 days.
• Insulin is not to be kept in extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures.
• It is not to be kept in the car, in direct sunlight or in the freezer.
• Before use bottle's expiration date is to be checked, and insulin that's expired need to be discarded.
• The insulin should look as it should, if otherwise, it need not be used.
• Insulin that has formed any crystals or clumps should be discarded.

After a disaster, patients in the affected area may not have access to refrigeration. According to the product labels from all three U.S. insulin manufacturers, it is recommended that insulin be stored in a refrigerator at approximately 35 to 46 degrees

• Unopened and stored in this manner, these products maintain potency until the expiration date on the package.  However, all of the available insulin products may be left unrefrigerated (between 59 and 86 degrees F) for up to 28 days and still maintain potency.
• During disasters the guidelines above can be easily followed, Sometimes one may be compelled to use insulin kept above 86 degrees F, that may not control glucose level as desired.