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Keeping insulin cool at home

Y

yockney

Member
Messages
6
Location
Essex
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi

I am a T2 diabetic but I'm posting this message here since I feel that people who frequent this section may have more answers on my question than on the T2 section of the forum.

Today I have put on insulin for the first time and have been given some NovoRapid Flexpens. Now I know you're supposed to keep pens not in use in the fridge but the PIL says to keep them at between 2 and 8 degrees C. However, I have a bit of a problem doing that. Yes, I've got them in the fridge but the fridge is surprisingly warm at around 12-13 degrees C and I'm trying to find ways of keeping it to 8 or below. I think the problem is that we have just so much stuff in the fridge and the coolness is not really circulating very well but until we can get rid of some stuff its about the coolest place we have in the house.

Can I ask, does anyone know of a means of keeping insulin down to 8 degrees or below which would not cost an arm and a leg - or am I worrying unnecessarily. About the only thing that does occur to me is that perhaps a Frio insulin bag kept in the fridge may do the job??? Any help or advice would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Tracey

P.S. No, we're not in a position to change our fridge yet as we need much work doing to our house and just don't have the money to do everything.
 
Hi @yockney I would keep them in a frio case until you can sort the temperature out in your fridge. Otherwise keep them at the bottom of the fridge towards the back, this I was told by an engineer who came out to fix ours, is the coldest part of the fridge. Do you have a neighbour/relative who can look after them until you get a frio case ?
 
Hi @yockney This might sound silly but I'd be equally worried about the food in your fridge if the temperature isn't correct. The last thing you want is food poisoning on top of diabetes (I speak from experience).

I recommend turning your fridge up to see if that helps and seeing if you can dump anything eg jars that annoying have to go in the fridge too now so that you can get space for the insulin and hopefully keep it cold.

I personally think that would be better than a Frio pack, but perhaps you could check with the pharmacist if you're hesitant.
 
If you find that you cannot get the temp down lower... maybe have a look at getting a plug in camping fridge until you can sort out a better option.... they are not overly expensive @ £40.
 
if your fridge is running that high a temperature I would be more worried about getting food poisoning
 
Cheapest option with winter here, is keep it in a container outside? ;)
 
I assume you have adjusted the thermostat to the highest cool setting? To keep your food fresh it sounds like anew fridge may be high priority anyway
 
When a friend of ours stays for a few days, he keeps his insulin stuff in one our egg containers in the top of the door.

You will want to do something about reducing the temps down in that fridge as that is way to high to store food, beer, let alone insulin.

Here's a pix I just took of one our egg containers.

ncK7nHD.jpg


Edit: Typo
 
Last edited by a moderator:
yockney said:
Hi

I am a T2 diabetic but I'm posting this message here since I feel that people who frequent this section may have more answers on my question than on the T2 section of the forum.

Today I have put on insulin for the first time and have been given some NovoRapid Flexpens. Now I know you're supposed to keep pens not in use in the fridge but the PIL says to keep them at between 2 and 8 degrees C. However, I have a bit of a problem doing that. Yes, I've got them in the fridge but the fridge is surprisingly warm at around 12-13 degrees C and I'm trying to find ways of keeping it to 8 or below. I think the problem is that we have just so much stuff in the fridge and the coolness is not really circulating very well but until we can get rid of some stuff its about the coolest place we have in the house.

Can I ask, does anyone know of a means of keeping insulin down to 8 degrees or below which would not cost an arm and a leg - or am I worrying unnecessarily. About the only thing that does occur to me is that perhaps a Frio insulin bag kept in the fridge may do the job??? Any help or advice would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Tracey

P.S. No, we're not in a position to change our fridge yet as we need much work doing to our house and just don't have the money to do everything.
Click to expand...

Another idea. Is make sure there is enough space for air to pass around your fridge.? Especially the fins at the back they can get warm as part of the "heat exchange". If this gets fouled? Your fridge may not be operating optimally....?!
 
Thanks for all your replies but hubby and I have had a chat and we're going to bite the bullet and go for another fridge. We really can't afford to but as has been pointed out the risk of food poisoning is too great. It would appear to have gone faulty in the past two weeks because up to then it was getting down to something like 8 or 9 degrees. Never mind eh! Will place an order tomorrow for another fridge albeit a cheap one - probably a Beko. Again thanks for all your replies.

Tracey
 
yockney said:
Hi

I am a T2 diabetic but I'm posting this message here since I feel that people who frequent this section may have more answers on my question than on the T2 section of the forum.

Today I have put on insulin for the first time and have been given some NovoRapid Flexpens. Now I know you're supposed to keep pens not in use in the fridge but the PIL says to keep them at between 2 and 8 degrees C. However, I have a bit of a problem doing that. Yes, I've got them in the fridge but the fridge is surprisingly warm at around 12-13 degrees C and I'm trying to find ways of keeping it to 8 or below. I think the problem is that we have just so much stuff in the fridge and the coolness is not really circulating very well but until we can get rid of some stuff its about the coolest place we have in the house.

Can I ask, does anyone know of a means of keeping insulin down to 8 degrees or below which would not cost an arm and a leg - or am I worrying unnecessarily. About the only thing that does occur to me is that perhaps a Frio insulin bag kept in the fridge may do the job??? Any help or advice would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Tracey

P.S. No, we're not in a position to change our fridge yet as we need much work doing to our house and just don't have the money to do everything.
Click to expand...
I think you should put your health first, pointless having a pretty house if you aren't going to be healthy enough to enjoy it.
And as already mentioned food poisioning is also a risk no ond should take.

You might be able to pick up a second had fridge quite cheaply but if your stomach can handle poorly kept food then atleast look after your insulin!
Again maybe a second hand fridge that can sit on a work top like one of those little glass door drink fridges.

Regards

Martin
 
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