Managing diabetes effectively means keeping a close eye on your diet and blood sugar levels, but also on your medication. Many of us with type 1 or type 2 diabetes use insulin or other diabetes injections, like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, or Victoza.
While we all know these must be refrigerated before use and can stay at room temperature for up to a month, a sneaky challenge might not always be on your radar: heat.
Whether it's the summer heat, a tropical vacation, just living in a warmer climate, or an accidental exposure to heat, understanding how heat affects insulin and how to protect your insulin from the heat is vital.
Related article: Does Insulin Need to be Refrigerated? Essential Storage Tips!
How Heat Affects Insulin
Technically, insulin is a protein, much like the ones you find in food, which means it can break down and lose its effectiveness when exposed to unfavorable conditions, especially heat.
At high temperatures, insulin's structure can start to unfold. This change is crucial because once the insulin protein has denatured, it can no longer bind to receptors in your body effectively, which reduces its ability to lower blood sugar levels.
What Happens When Insulin is Left in Heat?
When insulin is left in the heat, several changes can occur:
- Loss of potency: As temperatures rise, insulin's potency can decrease rapidly. This means you might find yourself needing higher doses to achieve the same blood glucose control.
- Visible changes: You might notice the insulin becomes cloudy, forms clumps, or changes in color. These are signs that the insulin is no longer good to use.
- Decreased absorption: Degraded insulin may not be absorbed as well by your body, leading to unpredictable blood sugar levels.
Can Insulin Go Bad in Heat?
Absolutely, insulin can go bad if it's exposed to heat. It's not just about the insulin losing its effectiveness; it's also about how this affects your blood sugar control and diabetes management.
Using heat-damaged insulin can lead to high blood glucose levels, potentially resulting in hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and other serious diabetes complications.
Does Heat Destroy Insulin?
Yes, heat can indeed destroy insulin. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 77°F (25°C) and, for certain types of insulin, above 86°F (30°C), can cause irreversible damage.
But this isn't just about the slow degradation over time; even brief exposure to high heat, such as leaving your insulin in a car parked in the sun or near a heat source like a stove or fireplace, can quickly make your insulin go bad.
If your insulin pen or vial has been exposed to such heat conditions, it's best to dispose of them. They might not only be less effective but could also lead to treatment failures.
How to Protect Your Insulin from Heat
Protecting your insulin from heat is crucial, especially in the summer months or if you live in a hot climate. Here are some tips to keep your insulin safe:
- Use an insulin cooler, specially designed to keep insulin cool. Whether you're traveling or just going out for the day, it can be a real life saver if ambient temperature rises above 77°F (25°C).
- Store insulin in a cool, dry place. Always store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator. For insulin pens or vials that you are using, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
- Carry only the insulin you need. For day trips, only bring the insulin necessary for the day. Keep any additional supplies in a chilled, secure spot within your accommodation. This precaution ensures that you have a reserve in the event your primary supply overheats.
- Never leave insulin in the car. Temperatures can soar unexpectedly. It's always safer to carry your insulin with you, even if you are stepping away for just a brief period.
- Shield your insulin from direct sunlight. When you're enjoying meals outdoors or are outside for extended periods, make sure your insulin is stored away in a shaded, cool place, like a thermal bag, or wrapped in a cloth inside your personal bag to keep it cool and protected.
- Protect insulin pumps from heat too. If you're using an insulin pump, it's crucial to prevent it from direct sunlight exposure, which can degrade its functionality. Utilize protective covers or simply tuck it beneath your clothing to shield it. Heat can significantly impact not only your insulin pump but also your blood sugar monitor and other diabetes management devices. Always avoid leaving these items in a hot car, near a pool, in direct sunlight, or on the beach to maintain their accuracy and integrity.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration or Cooling!
We'd Love to Hear from You!
Do you have any tips or experiences with insulin and heat? Or maybe some questions on how best to protect your diabetes injections during those hot summer days? Drop a comment below to share your thoughts or ask away. We're here to learn from each other and make managing diabetes easier for everyone. Let's chat!
