How to Store Insulin Safely During Travel: Tips, Precautions & Best Practices

Introduction

Travelling can be exciting, but for those who take insulin, it often brings a common worry: how to keep insulin safe during the journey. Long travel times, improper storage, and other conditions can all have an impact on how effectively insulin works¹. This article explains why proper insulin storage is important when travelling and how to keep it safely in different conditions to stay healthy and stress-free. 

Why Is Proper Insulin Storage Important During Travel?

Insulin is one of the effective treatments that helps control blood sugar levels, and it needs to stay effective to work properly. During travel, it is especially important to store it correctly because it is very sensitive to temperature changes. Exposure to extreme heat or freezing conditions, such as in cars, on flights, or while carrying bags for long hours, can cause the breakdown of insulin and reduce its effectiveness¹. Using insulin that has been damaged may lead to poor blood sugar control and increase the risk of diabetes-related complications². So, maintaining the right temperature is essential to keep insulin safe and effective, and therefore, proper storage is important while travelling. 

What Can Affect Insulin During Travel?

There are several factors that can affect insulin while travelling. Below are some common factors to be aware of: 

• Extreme Temperatures: Extreme heat (hot weather, direct sunlight, or leaving it inside vehicles) and freezing temperatures (air travel, winter trips, keeping too close to ice packs, etc.) can reduce the effectiveness of insulin^1,2.
• Long Travel: Travelling long distances can make insulin remain outside or in close contact to the body for a long period of time. Staying too long at an improper temperature can reduce insulin quality. 
• Differing Weather: Travelling from and to places with contrasting weather conditions without proper storage tools can expose insulin to unsafe temperatures¹.
• Time Zone Changes: Travelling across time zones can change the daily routine. This may require adjusting the timing of insulin doses to match the new schedule³. 
• Air Pressure: Changes in the pressure inside the aeroplane can sometimes affect insulin delivery devices, causing air bubbles³. 
• Airport Security Checks: X-ray machines and scanners used at airports may affect insulin pumps and some monitoring devices, however they do not directly affect insulin⁴. 

How to Store Insulin Safely During Travel?

Insulin works best when stored at an ideal temperature range. The ideal insulin storage temperature is 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), when it is kept in the refrigerator and not in use. Insulin in vials or containers can be kept at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) for up to 28 days, and it is still said to work properly. It may become less effective if exposed to temperatures above the recommended range or if it freezes². Therefore, it is very important to store insulin in a proper way. 

Practical Ways to Store Insulin Safely While Travelling

Here are some tips on how to carry insulin while travelling safely: 

• Carry Insulin in Hand Luggage: Always store insulin in handbags rather than in checked baggage. Cargo areas may have extreme temperatures, which can harm insulin^4,5.  
• Use an Insulated Travel Case: Keep insulin in an insulated bag, cooling pouch, or in a cooling container with ice during travel if the expected temperature is above 30°C¹.
• Avoid Freezing: Avoid placing insulin directly near an ice pack, as it can interfere with the effectiveness².
• Avoid Direct Heat and Sunlight: Avoid leaving insulin in places exposed to direct sunlight (such as cars or near windows), as this can spoil it or reduce its effectiveness^1,2.
• Check Accommodation Facilities: If staying in a hotel, confirm that a refrigerator is available for storing unopened insulin. Also, ensure that the fridge temperature is consistent with insulin storage instructions and does not fluctuate⁶. 

For extended journeys, periodically check that insulin is not becoming excessively hot or cold. It’s best to carry some additional supplies of insulin, needles, pens, a glucose monitoring device and also your prescription in case of delays or emergencies. 

Note: Always check the product label or discuss with your healthcare provider for understanding the correct storage methods when switching between brands or types of insulin.

Common Insulin Storage Mistakes During Travel

People often make mistakes when storing insulin while travelling. These should be avoided to maintain its effectiveness. The following are the most common ones: 

• Ignoring storage instructions during long travel or delays 
• Leaving insulin in direct sunlight, such as in a parked car 
• Placing insulin directly on ice or frozen gel packs 
• Keeping insulin in hot places like car dashboards, pockets close to the body, or closed vehicles²
• Storing insulin in checked luggage during flights⁴
• Assuming that open and unopened insulin needs the same storage conditions 
• Forgetting to carry backup insulin supplies 

How to Handle Insulin Exposed to Extreme Temperatures?

If insulin has been exposed to excessive heat or freezing temperatures, firstly avoid using it immediately. Check whether it has any visible changes and review the storage recommendations provided by the manufacturer. If the insulin is suspected to have damage or any visible changes, it would be better to replace it with a fresh one⁷.  In case it is used, monitor blood sugar levels closely and seek medical advice if readings become difficult to control². However, it is better to replace questionable insulin rather than risk ineffective treatment. 

Signs That Insulin May Have Been Damaged

Damaged or spoiled insulin can change its appearance or quality. The following are some common signs that may indicate that insulin is damaged: 

• Changes in colour or appearance 
• Cloudiness in insulin that is normally clear 
• Thick, lumpy, or unusual texture 
• Presence of any white particles 
• Insulin that does not mix properly after gentle rolling⁷ 
• Blood sugar levels remaining unexpectedly high despite correct dosing 
• Reduced effectiveness compared with previous use²

When to Consult a Doctor?

Consult a doctor if insulin is suspected to have been damaged due to extreme temperatures or if there is uncertainty about whether it is still safe to use. Medical advice should also be sought if blood sugar levels remain high despite insulin use or if guidance is needed on storing insulin during a long or international trip^1,2.

Also Read: A Complete Guide on Insulin Resistance Diet for Weight Loss 

Conclusion

Proper insulin storage during travel is important for maintaining its effectiveness. Travellers can avoid insulin damage and maintain appropriate blood sugar levels by preserving it from excessive heat, freezing, and direct sunlight, as well as carrying it safely in hand luggage with adequate storage methods. With proper planning and care, insulin may be kept safe and reliable during the trip. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Chowdhury S, Chakraborty P. Errors of insulin therapy: Real-life experiences from developing world. J Family Med Prim Care. 2017;6(4):724. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_418_16  Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29564252/

2. Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency. 2017. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/emergency-preparedness-drugs/information-regarding-insulin-storage-and-switching-between-products-emergency 

3. Pinsker JE, Becker E, Mahnke CB, Ching M, Larson NS, Roy D. Extensive clinical experience: a simple guide to basal insulin adjustments for long-distance travel. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2013;12(1):59. doi:10.1186/2251-6581-12-59 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24360506/

4. Department of Cardiology, Goksun State Hospital, Kahramanmaras-Turkey, Ugurlu M. Flight and diabetes. Anatolian J Cardiol. 2021;25(Supp1):S20-S23. doi:10.5152/AnatolJCardiol.2021.S108 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34464295/

5. Storing and travelling with long-acting insulin. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/insulin/long-acting-insulin/storing-and-travelling-with-long-acting-insulin/ 

6. Safe and effective use of insulin requires proper storage.2018. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/safe-and-effective-use-of-insulin-requires-proper-storage-2018120415486 

7. Jacob JJ. Insulin storage guidance for patients with diabetes using insulin. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2023;27(3):189-194. doi:10.4103/ijem.ijem_92_23. PMID: 37292077; PMCID: PMC10245305 Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10245305/

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