In the realm of insulin storage, navigating through guidelines can often be perplexing. Dr. Bernd Richter sheds light on the matter, emphasizing that existing guidelines suggest insulin can be stored at room temperature. However, the term "room temperature" can be a subjective concept, varying depending on an individual's location and environment.
Dr. Richter points out that these official regulations primarily cater to Western-style living conditions, where room temperature is generally not a concern. Furthermore, there is a glaring lack of guidance on extreme conditions that many people with diabetes may encounter. Surprisingly, there is only one small, older clinical study that delves into the effects of higher temperatures on insulin, despite the millions of individuals with diabetes in need of such crucial information.
Insulin storage solutions extend beyond those without access to refrigeration; they also concern individuals with unreliable refrigerators. Some refrigerators may have pockets that become excessively cold, even reaching freezing temperatures, which can compromise the effectiveness of insulin stored within.
For those who need to store insulin outside of a refrigerator, certain precautions can help preserve its potency. Dr. Richter recommends protecting it from direct light and preventing it from getting too hot or too cold. In his words, "Insulin should be kept in dark, protected areas if rooms are available, or in simple cooling devices such as clay pots."
Under normal circumstances, unopened insulin is advised to be stored at approximately 4°C (39°F) in fridges, while in-use insulin can be kept at room temperature. However, Dr. Richter's review has yielded new data indicating that individuals living under challenging conditions can use insulin for extended periods at higher temperatures without a significant loss of activity.
These findings raise questions for future research, such as examining the impact of motion in addition to temperature. For instance, individuals using insulin pumps wear them close to their bodies, leading to elevated temperatures due to continuous movement. Furthermore, it's essential to gather data on individuals living in cold climates, finding ways to safeguard insulin from freezing.
Dr. Richter concludes that this research underscores the urgent need for data on the storage of other temperature-sensitive compounds and drugs, including antirheumatic medications. This information is vital for people facing challenging living conditions, such as those lacking access to healthcare or those affected by climate crises or residing in war-torn areas.
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