Storing Insulin

Just like you take care of yourself, you also need to take care of your insulin. Good insulin care begins with how the insulin is stored. Insulin doesn't work well when it's kept for too long or is kept at very hot or very cold temperatures (like heating or freezing). If you buy several bottles of insulin at once, keep the unopened ones in your refrigerator. Don't put them in the freezer. Insulin clumps at temperatures below 36ºF. Before you open a new bottle, check the date printed on it. If it's more than a month past that date, don't use the insulin; it's too old.

If you use a whole insulin bottle in a month or less, keep the bottle you're currently using at room temperature. Good spots are on the kitchen counter or in your diabetes kit. It will stay fresh for up to month without refrigeration, as long as its temperature stays under 86ºF.

If you don't use a whole bottle in a month or less, then keep it in the fridge. Be sure to warm up the insulin before injecting it. Cold insulin can make the shot uncomfortable. To warm it, draw up the right amount into the syringe, then roll the syringe gently between your hands until it feels warm.

Always check the insulin before you use it. Rapid- and short-acting insulin should look clear. There should be no cloudiness, little bits floating in the liquid, or change in color. Intermediate- and long-acting insulin should look cloudy, but you should not see any large clumps floating around. If you see any of these signs, throw out that bottle and open a new one.