If you’re living with diabetes and you don’t have access to a refrigerator, it can be difficult to store insulin. Fortunately, there are a few storage methods that will keep your insulin safe for weeks at a time.
Keep extra insulin
It’s really important to keep your insulin bottles cool. If you’re traveling, for example, you may want to keep them in a fridge or cooler as well (unless the temperature is above 86 degrees F).
Other tips:
- Keep extra insulin in the original box or proper insulin case. This will help protect the bottle from getting dented from being tossed around in luggage or sat on by a clumsy traveler. What is a pump case? “A plastic case with an optional stainless steel clip that can be worn vertically or horizontally” as mentioned by professionals like Tandem Diabetes.
- Put ice packs inside with the bottles when storing them outside of the refrigerator. The ice will keep them cold longer than just using an insulated bag alone will do!
Keep insulin out of the fridge
Insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid extreme temperatures such as heat, humidity and sunlight.
- Do not freeze your insulin bottles or cartridge. If you need to keep them cold, store them in the fridge until they’re ready to use (and then bring them out), but try not to leave them there too long.
- Avoid direct sunlight on bottles or cartridges because this may affect how well they work later on down the line if you need it!
Choose the right container
- A screw top is the best option for storing insulin. This type of container is easier to open and close, and it’s less likely to leak.
- Flip-top caps are also good for storing insulin. They’re slightly harder to open than screw tops, but they provide more protection from light and moisture.
- Snap caps tend not to seal as well as other types of containers so they’re not ideal for long-term storage of your medication. If you do use a snap cap bottle, make sure that you secure it with an adhesive strip or piece of tape after each use—this will help prevent leaks during movement or travel.
Keep containers cold
- Don’t put the cooler in the fridge. This is kind of obvious, but it’s worth mentioning because most people don’t think of this as an option.
- Don’t put your insulin in a freezer. Freezing can damage the insulin and make it less effective, so that’s no good either.
- Don’t leave your cooler in the car or sun for long periods of time—this can also harm your insulin! If you’re going to be out for more than four hours or so, it’s better to use another method for keeping things cool like an ice pack instead of leaving it out there exposed to heat waves all day long (and nighttime too!).
Check the temperature
After checking the expiration date and condition of your insulin, you’ll need to check the temperature.
- If your insulin is cold, put it in a refrigerator or freezer immediately.
- If you don’t have access to a refrigerator or freezer, you can store your insulin at room temperature for up to 30 days (see below).
As you can see, there are many options for storing insulin in a non-refrigerated environment. In fact, these options may be better than keeping insulin in the fridge. And if you’re looking for an alternative storage method, remember that this list is just a start!
