Diabetes Mellitus is a complex condition that can progress to severe complications if not treated properly. 

Patients with diabetes need to be aware of all the things that could affect blood sugar control.

It is important to store medications properly to ensure that they work properly.  In this article we will discuss proper medication storage with a special focus on insulin. 

EFFECTS OF IMPROPER STORAGE 

• Medications that are kept in places accessible to children, animals, or individuals other than the patient, may cause accidental poisoning.
• Storing medications in very cold or very hot places can cause changes in the drug, reduce their potency, and possibly make them less effective.  The patient may even receive less medication than they actually need.

INSULIN STORAGE 

• Insulin can lose its activity if it is stored in very cold or very hot places.
• Insulin should not be left in the sun or exposed to household light bulbs.

FOLLOW THESE RECOMMENDATIONS

CHECK TO SEE IF THE INSULIN SHOWS ANY CHANGE IN COLOR OR CLARITY

Make sure it contains no lumps, particles or crystals.

DO NOT SHAKE THE INSULIN

Shaking the insulin causes air bubbles to be created that can affect the amount of insulin that is drawn from the bottle into the needle for delivery.

NEW insulin should be kept in the refrigerator.

IN-USE insulin can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.

DO NOT FREEZE INSULIN

DO NOT USE INSULIN that has been frozen.

DO NOT use insulin that has expired.

EMERGENCY INSULIN STORAGE

• Keep insulin at the coolest possible temperature. 
• If you are going to use ice to keep it cool, do not allow the insulin to freeze.  Remember, do not use insulin that has been frozen. 
• Keep insulin away from heat and/or direct sunlight.