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Insulin storage on hols

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VictorMeldrew

Member
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Just returned from abroad where I appear to have been caught out by my insulin becoming ineffective . Had some horrendous readings - 15+ and can only attribute this to the above as although I was on holiday I didn't go mad.Temps were unseasonally high @ 25+.
My questions are 1) do I just chuck the old stuff and get back on track 2) do i need to take any other action 3) will I have done any lasting damage (I was away for 1 week)
Thanks in advance
 
Temperatures of around 25 for a week are unlikely to cause problems. Most insulins can be kept out of the fridge for up to a month as long as they stay below 30 degrees. However, if you are at all doubtful about it I suggest you throw the insulin away. Likewise, readings of 15+ for one week aren't the end of the world (you could easily get the same with a bad cold). Just don't make a habit of it!!

Usually, higher temperatures decrease blood sugar, but maybe you're the exception that proves the rule. Maybe you will always get high bs with high temperatures. That's something you can find out by observation and testing. Different food, being less active and out of normal routine may also have contributed to higher readings on holiday.

If your readings are now back to normal there's nothing else to do except remember what happened and watch out for it next time. If bs is still raised or if it happens again, carefully adjust your dose as you have (I hope) been instructed by your DSN.
 
Thanks for advice - bloods now back to normal. Was in Corsica with unseasonal 30 + so have ditched old pens and invested in Frio wallet for Barcelona in July. :oops:
 
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