Whether you’re at home or on the go, keeping your insulin effective means storing it the right way:
✅ Unopened insulin:
• Keep in the refrigerator (36°F–46°F / 2°C–8°C)
• Don’t freeze it! Frozen insulin must be discarded.
✅ Opened insulin (in use):
• Store at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C)
• Good for 28–42 days, depending on the type (check your insulin’s instructions)
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
🚫 Avoid:
• Leaving it in a hot car
• Putting it directly on ice
• Using after the expiration date
🧳 Travel tips:
• Use an insulated cooler, cooling case, or cooler
• Carry insulin with you in a carry-on, not checked luggage
🔥 Insulin + Heat = Trouble 💉
Did you know that high temperatures can damage insulin?
When insulin is exposed to heat (above 86°F / 30°C), it can break down and lose effectiveness — even if it looks perfectly fine. This can lead to unexpected high blood sugar and poor glucose control.
🛑 Signs your insulin may be heat-damaged:
• It’s been left in a hot car or direct sun
• It looks cloudy (when it shouldn’t) or has clumps/particles
• It’s past the recommended storage time at room temperature
💡 What to do:
• When in doubt, don’t use it — heat-damaged insulin is unsafe
• Always store insulin in a cool, shaded place
• Use insulated cooler, cooling cases, or cooler during hot weather or travel
⚠️ Never refrigerate insulin after it’s been heat-exposed — it won’t fix the damage.
⏱️ How long can insulin be exposed to heat before it’s affected?
🔹 Room temp (below 86°F / 30°C):
Insulin is safe for 28–42 days (depending on the brand) after opening.
🔹 Above 86°F / 30°C:
Insulin can start to degrade within a few hours — especially if left in a hot car, direct sun, or outside during a heatwave.
🔹 Above 98.6°F / 37°C (body temp) or hotter:
Damage may occur in under 1 hour.
In extreme heat (over 100°F / 38°C), it can degrade in minutes.
💡 Bottom line:
If insulin has been exposed to heat above 86°F for more than 1–2 hours, especially in direct sunlight or a hot car, it’s safer to replace it — even if it looks normal.
📦 Always carry insulin in a cool, insulated bag when outdoors or traveling. Check out our medical bag post and travel section for more!
