• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Where are you keeping your insulin?

xfieldok

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,182
Location
Lancashire
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I was told not to refrigerate the insulin I am using, humulin I and novorapid. However, I think the hot weather has rendered the novorapid ineffective. I have had horrible readings the past few days. Tonight I got a new pen out of the fridge and the results are more what I would expect. The pen has gone back in the fridge.

Can I keep the novorapid in the fridge?

Sorry if this post cancels summer.
 
xfieldok said:
Sorry if this post cancels summer.
Click to expand...
I live in hope!

I’m on a pump, so the insulin in that is attached to my body at all times - it’s working fine. When I had pens, I’d keep them in a Frio pouch in my bag in hot weather.
 
Keeping in the fridge is fine.
The only reason they say not to is because in normal temperatures you can keep them anywhere for up to a month, which obviously is more convenient, and because some people find cold insulin stings. That last is easily remedied by warming it up with body heat for a minute before injecting.
 
Thanks, will keep in the fridge until these temperatures come down. Used to warm up the dog's insulin in case it stung.
 
The other thing to be aware of with chilled insulin is it is more likely to get bubbles when cold.
I too have a pump and was told not to fill the pump from a vial direct in the fridge of this reason.

Bear in mind the heat can affect our insulin resistance/sensitivity. Some find they need more insulin when hot and some need less. This may be why you find your insulin is less effective.
 
The humulin seems to be ok. The novorapid has had minimal effect, very short lived and sometimes no effect at all. I have been taking 10 units at a time, DN thinks this is very high, but I am being led by the libre.

I am not bolusing for carbs and I don't think the DN can get her head around this.
 
Antje77 said:
Bubbles aren't an issue with pens. They can't reach the needle.
Click to expand...

Going off topic, but are you meant to expel a unit of insulin when you change the needle on a pen? I keep forgetting to ask my DSN.... doesn't seem like there would be much air in a needle....
 
EllieM said:
Going off topic, but are you meant to expel a unit of insulin when you change the needle on a pen? I keep forgetting to ask my DSN.... doesn't seem like there would be much air in a needle....
Click to expand...
2 units according to the instructions.
 
EllieM said:
Going off topic, but are you meant to expel a unit of insulin when you change the needle on a pen? I keep forgetting to ask my DSN.... doesn't seem like there would be much air in a needle....
Click to expand...
It's to check if the needle works. With very small amounts of insulin the air in the needle might make a differnce in the dosage, not sure about that.
 
Antje77 said:
It's to check if the needle works. With very small amounts of insulin the air in the needle might make a differnce in the dosage, not sure about that.
Click to expand...

You should prime the new needle with 2 units, if there is an air bubble, holding the pen upright, slight tap (flick of finger) then squirt the 2 units upwards & then hold the pen button in for 5 seconds usually releases trapped air.
You should see a small drop of insulin on the needle tip.
Priming ensures you get the correct dose
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…