Is there a certain test that i can do to ensure that my insulin is good?

Question

My sugars have been running higher then normal. My vial of insulin is not cloudy, but it did get warm for an extended period of time. How do the manufactuar's test to make sure that it is a good vial? Is that test available to me?

Answer 1

I have always been told that if the insulin have been exposed to high temperature for an extended period or has been stored for longer that a year, throw it out and start a fresh vial. I store my insulin is my fridge and use it up within a month and a 1/2. Anything longer than three or four months, I have found from my own reaction, does not work properly - I get higher sugar levels, much more than I expect. And when that happens, I switch to a fresh vial and things go back to normal.

Answer 2

I got a bad vial a long time ago I know now that if I start running highs I use a different vial and check to see if thats the cause. If I think it is I will take the used vial back and get a free replacement from my drug store.
I do not refridgrate my insulin after I open it and it have never soured or gone bad
I don't know of any special control test, like they have for the monitors but just using a different vial should do the trick, and remember to return it so the drug stores can't profit off bad insulin.

Answer 3

There is no quick test to check the potency of insulin. If in doubt, throw it out and start a new vial.

Answer 4

Best answer: Start a new vial when things aren't adding up.
My answer: Take about 5 units when your sugar is normal, and see if your sugar goes low. (This is definitely the WRONG thing to do. I've never had that problem though)

Answer 5

Call the pharmacist, they should be able to assist you with some quality control checks. If your sugars are higher than normal could you be getting a cold?

Answer 6

go to a doctor, he will tell you what to do.