Insulin thats got warm/hot

[encore1332]

Hi, I took my usual fast acting yesterday evening after dinner. by bed time my levels have usually back to somewhere near 6. How ever last night it was 18. I was sure I worked out carbs correctly so I just took my evening long lasting. This morning it was down to 7. I remember my insulin bag got warm the other day in the sun. can insulin that's started to go off take longer to work? needless to say I have thrown that pen away and started a fresh one.

 

[dtennant9]

Youve done the right thing but using a different pen.

If your insulin gets hot in the sun etc then it can stop being so effective.

 

[himtoo]

in a word -- yes
you did the right thing in switching cartridge straight away -- better to be safe.

insulin is meant to last for 4 weeks in the pen -- but should not be allowed to get overly warm
if it was having a good old roast in the sun for a while that could have stopped it working for sure.

 

[pinewood]

What happens if un-opened insulin is not properly refrigerated?

I realised my fridge was running a little warmer than usual in the hot weather so had to increase the dial to cool it down. I think it was probably running at about 8 to 10 degrees for a good few days but is now back down to about 4 degrees. Do you think my insulin has been spoiled? I hope not as I have a fair few vials...