A recent Cochrane review has revealed that insulin retains its effectiveness even when stored at room temperature for extended periods. This discovery is particularly significant for individuals with diabetes living in areas with limited access to healthcare or stable powered refrigeration.
A recent Cochrane review reveals that insulin retains its effectiveness even when stored at room temperature for several months. This discovery brings significant hope to individuals with diabetes in areas where healthcare access is constrained or stable refrigeration is unavailable. The impact is especially profound for millions in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in rural regions, as well as for those affected by conflict or natural disasters.
Human insulin is a hormone produced by the body that helps turn food into energy and controls blood sugar levels. People with diabetes cannot make enough insulin and those with type 1 diabetes have to inject insulin several times a day, typically before every meal. Insulin is an essential medicine for people with diabetes and current guidance states that before use it must be kept refrigerated to preserve its effectiveness.
For millions of people with diabetes living in low- and middle-income countries, however, the harsh reality is that electricity and refrigeration are luxuries that are unavailable to them. Vulnerable populations in war-torn areas, disaster-prone regions, and climate crisis-affected areas, including those enduring extreme heat, also need solutions that don’t rely on powered fridges.
Shedding Light on Insulin Storage Options
The new Cochrane review summarizes the results of different studies investigating what happens to insulin when stored outside of fridges, including previously unpublished data from manufacturers.
The review found that it is possible to store unopened vials and cartridges of specific types of human insulin at temperatures of up to 25°C for a maximum of six months, and up to 37°C for a maximum of two months, without any clinically relevant loss of insulin activity. Data from one study showed no loss of insulin activity for specific insulin types when stored in oscillating ambient temperatures of between 25°C and 37°C for up to three months. This fluctuation resembles the day-night temperature cycles experienced in tropical countries.
Ensuring Insulin Potency in Varied Conditions
The research team, led by Bernd Richter from the Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine-University in Düsseldorf, Germany, conducted comprehensive research to investigate insulin stability under various storage conditions.
The review analyzed a total of seventeen studies, including laboratory investigations of insulin vials, cartridges/pens, and prefilled syringes, demonstrating consistent insulin potency at temperatures ranging from 4°C to 37°C, with no clinically relevant loss of insulin activity.
Bernd stressed the significance of this research, particularly for people living with type 1 diabetes, where “insulin is a lifeline, as their very lives depend on it. While type 2 diabetes presents its challenges, type 1 diabetes necessitates insulin for survival. This underscores the critical need for clear guidance for people with diabetes in critical life situations, which many individuals lack from official sources.
“Our study opens up new possibilities for individuals living in challenging environments, where access to refrigeration is limited. By understanding the thermal stability of insulin and exploring innovative storage solutions, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those who depend on insulin for their well-being.”
These findings can help communities facing challenges in securing constant cold storage of insulin. They provide reassurance that alternatives to powered refrigeration of insulin are possible without compromising the stability of this essential medicine. It suggests that if reliable refrigeration is not possible, room temperature can be lowered using simple cooling devices such as clay pots for insulin storage.
The researchers have also identified uncertainties for future research to address. There remains a need to better understand insulin effectiveness following storage under varying conditions. Further research is also needed on mixed insulin, the influence of motion for example when insulin pumps are used, contamination in opened vials and cartridges, and studies on cold environmental conditions.
Reference: “Thermal stability and storage of human insulin” by Bernd Richter, Brenda Bongaerts and Maria-Inti Metzendorf, 6 November 2023, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015385.pub2
The study was funded by the World Health Organization.
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1 Comment
As a diabetic, I known this for over 40 years. I thought it was common knowledge.