Diabetes Organizers and Insulin Travel Kits

Insulin storage: the basics

• Unopened insulin: store in the fridge at 2–8°C, never in the freezer or against the cooling element. Frozen insulin must be thrown away.
• In-use pens and vials: most can be kept at room temperature, below about 30°C, for around four weeks. Check the leaflet for your insulin, as times vary.
• Heat and sun: never leave insulin in a parked car, a sunny window or near a stove. On hot days and during power cuts, a cooling case protects it.

Throw away insulin that looks cloudy when it should be clear, contains clumps or crystals, or has been exposed to extreme heat.

Insulin cooling case or insulin cooler?

• Evaporative cooling wallets: soaked in water, they keep insulin cool for days without ice or electricity. Very useful during load-shedding, in hot weather and for travel.
• Insulated cooler bags with gel packs: good for day trips; don't let frozen gel packs touch the insulin directly.
• Electronic coolers: USB-powered cases that hold a set temperature; check battery life before long journeys.

Diabetes supply case and organiser bags

A diabetes supply case keeps your meter, strips, lancets, pen needles, glucose tablets and a sharps container together, so nothing is forgotten. Pockets for hypo treatment within easy reach are worth looking for.

Travelling with insulin

Carry insulin and supplies in your hand luggage, never in checked bags, where it may freeze in the hold. Take twice the supplies you expect to need, a doctor's letter listing your medicines, and your prescription. Adjust injection times across time zones with your doctor's advice.

Label your cooling case with your name and a note that it contains insulin, and teach family members where it is kept in case of a hypo.

Pen needles and lancets should go into a sharps container or a sturdy, closed plastic bottle, never loose in household rubbish.