According to a recent research, insulin can remain potent for months when stored at room temperature, potentially transforming the lives of individuals with type 1 diabetes who face challenges in refrigerating their insulin reliably.
A review conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration studied the impact of varying temperatures on insulin. The study found that unopened containers of specific types of human insulin can be safely stored at temperatures of up to 25°C (77°F) for as long as six months without a significant loss of potency.
Dr. Bernd Richter, the lead researcher at the Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty of Heinrich-Heine-University in Düsseldorf, Germany, highlighted that these findings provide valuable insights into insulin storage guidelines and could offer substantial benefits to individuals lacking access to refrigeration.
Richter highlights an issue with current guidelines, which suggest that insulin can be stored at room temperature. However, this guidance can be perplexing since "room temperature" can vary significantly depending on an individual's geographical location. For example, what constitutes room temperature for a person in a cold climate may differ from someone living in an equatorial region.
Dr. Richter explained that it appears that official regulations primarily cater to Western-style living conditions, where room temperature doesn't present a problem.
He further noted that there is a notable absence of comprehensive guidance for dealing with extreme conditions that many individuals with diabetes may encounter. Apparently, there is lack of clinical studies investigating higher temperatures, despite the fact that millions of people with diabetes require this kind of information.
The implications of this data extend beyond individuals without access to refrigeration; it also concerns those with unreliable refrigerators. Richter pointed out that certain areas within refrigerators can become excessively cold, even below freezing, which affects the effectiveness of the stored insulin.
When insulin needs to be stored outside of a refrigerator, several precautions can help maintain its potency. According to Richter, it should be shielded from direct light and protected from extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold.
He suggested that in cases where available space permits, insulin should be stored in dark, sheltered areas, or simple cooling devices like clay pots.
He further suggested that under normal circumstances, unopened insulin should be stored at approximately 4°C (39°F) within refrigerators, while insulin in use can be kept at room temperature. However, their review has provided fresh insights for individuals facing challenging conditions, indicating that insulin can remain effective for extended periods at higher temperatures without significant loss of activity.
He also highlighted that these findings raise new questions that could be the focus of future research, such as investigating the impact of not only temperature but also motion. For instance, individuals using insulin pumps wear them close to their bodies, leading to higher temperatures, and they are in constant motion. He explained that we also need data on individuals living in cold climates who are seeking ways to prevent insulin from freezing.
Richter concluded by emphasizing that this research underscores the urgency of gathering similar data for other temperature-sensitive compounds and medications, such as antirheumatic drugs.
He emphasized that people living in challenging conditions, including those with limited access to healthcare, those affected by climate-related crises, or those residing in conflict-ridden areas, are in dire need of this information.