Quick answer: Knowing what to do if you run out of insulin helps you respond quickly and safely. Your next steps will depend on the urgency of the situation. If it's an emergency, seek medical help right away. For non-emergencies, contact your pharmacy to arrange a refill.
Running out of insulin is a serious and frightening situation for anyone with insulin-dependent diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can rise dangerously, leading to life-threatening complications.
So, what should you do if you find yourself without insulin? Here's how to respond quickly, safely, and effectively.
Related article: Does Insulin Really Need to Be Refrigerated?
Common situations where you might run out of insulin
Running out of insulin can happen in many unexpected ways, some of which you may not have considered. However, being aware of potential risks can help you prevent them.
Here are some of the most common situations where you might find yourself without insulin:
Related article: How Long Can a Diabetic Go Without Insulin?
1. Your insulin prescription expired
In the United States, insulin prescriptions are usually valid for a year.
If yours has expired, you need to contact your healthcare provider to get a new one before you can refill your insulin.
2. Bad or spoiled insulin
Insulin is highly sensitive to temperature changes.
Unopened insulin should be kept in the fridge (36-46°F/2-8°C). Once opened, it can be kept at room temperature (56-80°F/13-26°C) for about a month.
If storage guidelines aren't followed, your insulin can go bad and must be thrown away immediately.
Related article: How to Store Insulin Without Refrigeration? Practical Tips from a Type 1 Diabetic!
3. Your last vial of insulin shattered
Insulin vials are made of glass, and they're very fragile.
If dropped on the floor, they can break and ruin the last drops of your life-saving medicine.
We highly recommend getting a silicone insulin vial protector to prevent this scenario.
4. Traveling without enough insulin
Traveling with diabetes, especially when using insulin, requires careful planning and organization.
Always pack twice as much insulin as you need and split it between bags to prevent running out or losing it to theft.
Related article: How to Keep Insulin Cold While Traveling?
5. Financial Reasons
According to a recent Yale study, one in four diabetes patients has struggled with the high cost of insulin.
If you're running low on insulin because of financial reasons, consider reaching out for support or finding alternatives.
What to do when you run out of insulin: your questions answered:
The first thing to do if you run out of insulin is to stay calm. Stress and panic can raise your blood sugar levels even further, making the situation worse.
Instead, focus on taking the proper steps based on the urgency of your situation.
Related article: How Long Do Insulin Vials Last and How Many Do You Need Per Month?
Here are some common questions and answers to help you navigate this emergency:
Q. What should I do if I'm experiencing symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. If your blood sugar is dangerously high, you may be at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-a serious condition caused by a lack of insulin. Symptoms include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
If you notice these symptoms, check your blood sugar and test for ketones. If your levels are high or you have ketones in your urine, seek medical help immediately. Go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room, where doctors can provide insulin to stabilize your blood sugar. Once you're treated, focus on securing a new insulin supply to prevent another emergency.
Related article: What Happens if You Miss a Dose of Insulin?
Q. What if my insulin prescription has expired?
A. If you're not in a life-threatening situation, the first thing to do when you run out of insulin is to call your pharmacy. If your prescription is still valid, you should be able to pick up a new supply the same day.
If your prescription has expired, don't worry, your pharmacy can help. During business hours, they can contact your doctor to update the prescription, often on the same day.
If it's outside pharmacy business hours or a public holiday, your best option is to visit an emergency room.
In some states, pharmacies can provide insulin from an expired prescription under certain conditions. This includes Ohio, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, Idaho, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia.
Q. Can I get an insulin prescription online?
A. Yes, it's possible to get an insulin prescription online in the USA.
A wide variety of online platforms let you consult virtually with a doctor, who may prescribe you insulin if appropriate.
However, this is at the doctor's discretion, and you may still need to visit a doctor in person in some cases.
Q. What if I'm traveling and run out of insulin?
A. It depends on your location. In the U.S., if you usually get your insulin from a national pharmacy chain, the local store will likely have your prescription on file. If they won't provide insulin because it's "too early" for a refill, contact your insurance for approval.
If that doesn't work, or if you're traveling internationally and can't find insulin, go to any hospital. Hospitals always have insulin available to help you temporarily.
Q. Can I use insulin over the counter as a last resort?
A. As a last resort, you can get insulin over the counter
However, this non-prescription insulin works differently from your prescribed type, with different peaks and effects. Use it only temporarily and seek your doctor's advice immediately.
Q. Where can I buy insulin over the counter?
A. You can buy insulin over the counter at pharmacies like Walmart for about $25, with no prescription needed.
However, we want to stress that this should only be a last resort and a temporary solution.
Have you ever unexpectedly run out of insulin? What did you do in that situation? Do you have any tips or questions about managing insulin shortages?
Share your experiences, advice, or concerns in the comments below and join the conversation! We'd love to hear from you!
Related article: Does insulin expire? How long is it good for?
Key Takeaways
🏥 Stay Calm & Seek Help: If you run out of insulin in an emergency, get medical help immediately to avoid complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
💊 Contact Your Pharmacy: If it's not an emergency, call your pharmacy to refill your insulin prescription or update it if it has expired.
🌐 Get an Insulin Prescription Online: Platforms like Pluscare or Sesame can help you consult with a doctor for a new insulin prescription.
🛒 Insulin Over the Counter: You can buy non-prescription insulin at places like Walmart, ⚠️ but it should only be a last resort and temporary solution.
⏱️ Plan Ahead: Always ensure your insulin supply is up to date to avoid running out unexpectedly.
We'd Love to Hear From You!
💬 Whether you have questions, tips, or personal stories about running out of insulin, we're eager to hear from you. Drop us a comment below!
📆 Article Update History:
✅ Updated: April 1, 2025
✅ Originally Published: September 27,2021
