Living off-grid, whether by choice or necessity, permanently or temporarily, brings quite a lot of challenges. But for people with diabetes, the need to keep their insulin refrigerated adds another layer of complexity.
It doesn't matter if you're nestled in a cozy mountain hut, backpacking across rugged terrains, stuck during a power outage, or cruising on a long road trip across the country, your insulin must stay refrigerated (or, at least, cool!).
Over the years, I've had to get creative, and I've gathered some effective solutions to store insulin insulin without refrigeration. I'm happy to share these here with you!
What happens if insulin isn't refrigerated?
Refrigerating insulin is non-negotiable for maintaining its effectiveness. Typically, insulin must be refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) before opening.
Laboratory tests have shown that when unrefrigerated for too long, insulin starts to lose potency and efficacy.
The most significant impact of not refrigerating your insulin is its reduced efficacy. This means that even if the insulin appears normal, its ability to control blood glucose levels may be lessened.
Using insulin that has been stored without refrigeration for too long can result in high blood sugar levels, which, if sustained over time, can lead to serious diabetes complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems.
How long can insulin last without refrigeration?
Once opened, every insulin brand might have slightly different storage guidelines, but most types of insulin can last for about a month without refrigeration.
This means that once you've taken your insulin pen or vial out of the fridge and started using it, it can safely stay at room temperature-below 77°F (25°C)-for about a month. But make sure to check the specific storage guidelines provided by your insulin manufacturer.
Alternatives to Store Insulin Without Refrigeration
So, the first alternative to storing insulin without refrigeration is, naturally, to keep it cool at room temperature and use it within a month.
But what if you have stocks of insulin that will be used beyond this timeframe? These needs to stay refrigerated or they'll go to waste before you can use them. Here are ways to keep your insulin refrigerated without a fridge.
Insulin Mini-Fridges for Refrigeration
These portable lifesavers are perfect for road trips or long flights, but also if you live off-grid an rely on solar energy or external power sources.
I personally use the Voyager USB-powered mini insulin fridge that I can connect to my car's cigarette lighter, a portable solar panel, or a portable power bank. It's like having a real fridge, but much smaller and dedicated to my insulin only and independent from domestic fridges.
Just a heads-up: if you opt for a model that uses freeze packs, you do need access to a freezer to pre-freeze your packs.
Insulin Cooling Bags for Temperature Control
While this solution won't keep your insulin refrigerated, it can save your in-use insulin from heat to keep it effective for about a month. It's a great temporary solution to keep insulin cool without refrigeration, especially when ambient temperatures rise above 77°F (25°C). But remember to use your insulin within its recommended timeframe at room temperature.
Be aware that insulin cooling bags like the Companion Insulated Bag for Insulin use cold packs, so you do need a freezer to freeze the packs.
However, the Chillers Cooling Pouches are 100% suitable for off-grid living and travels without a fridge or freezer. They utilize water evaporation technology and all you need to make them work is water!
Storing Insulin in a Powerless Fridge
Here's a tip from a hurricane season veteran I've known while traveling: if you expect a short power outage, prep your fridge. It can maintain its internal temperature for about four hours after the power goes out.
For longer periods, wrap your insulin in a towel and tuck it into the freezer. This set up can keep your insulin refrigerated for another 48 hours. But make sure to unplug your freezer to avoid freezing your insulin when the power comes back.
Insulated Box with Frozen Water Bottles or Ice
Another simple yet effective way to store insulin without refrigeration is creating a DIY cooler with an insulated box.
Fill an insulated box (like those styrofoam ones you can buy cheaply) with frozen water bottles or bags of ice at the bottom. Wrap your insulin pens and vials in a cloth or towel to prevent direct contact with ice. Place the wrapped insulin in the center of the box, ideally not touching the ice directly.
Your insulin should stay refrigerated for at least a few hours, depending on the size and quality of the box, the external temperature. Under optimal conditions, an insulated box with sufficient ice can keep insulin at a safe temperature for about 24-48 hours. If you need longer refrigeration, refill the ice regularly. It's wise to place a small thermometer inside the box to monitor the internal temperature.
While this set up helps storing insulin without refrigeration in case of an emergency, we do not recommend using it for travels or regular insulin storage. The temperatures inside aren't as reliable as in a real refrigerator or portable insulin fridge.
Underground Storage & Terracotta Pots
This might sound like something out of a survivalist manual, but burying your insulin underground can keep it at a constant, cool temperature. Just make sure your insulin is in a watertight container to keep moisture and dirt out.
You can also use terracotta pots to keep your insulin cool if you don't have an insulin cooler bag. Place your insulin in a small terracotta pot, then put this into a larger pot filled with moist sand. Cover the top with a wet cloth. It's a natural and traditional cooler that's remarkably efficient!
Note: these last two alternative methods to store insulin without refrigeration will keep it safe and cool, but not refrigerated! So, your insulin must be used within a month.
We'd Love to Hear From You!
If you have other tips, questions, or want to share your experiences about storing insulin without refrigeration, during adventures or unexpected situations, please leave a comment below. We love hearing from our readers and learning together!
