At what temperature does insulin freeze?

Question

Well, my fiance has juvenile diabetes and when he came home today one of his insulin cartridges was cracked. It's -30C here so we thought that might be why.

Hmm Evil that's a good idea, but I'd still think that a freezer wouldn't be cold enough. Heck, it's colder outside! :)

Answer 1

I starred your question thinking it is a good one. If a diabetic is out skiing, should he be cautious about his insulin freezing? I keep mine on the inside of my ski jacket to prevent this.

The freeze temperature could be different for different insulins, I suggest putting some in a syringe (don't waste a whole vial). Then put the syringe in your refrigerator freezer set on high (warm). Decrement (make cooler) the freezer setting every hour and record the temperature. Take note of the temperature when the insulin is frozen.

In any event, to prevent vials from freeze cracking, keep the insulin in an inside pocket close to the body. The same goes for meters because they are temperature sensitive and will not perform well in the cold.

Zoe,
-30C. Dang, do you live on the dark side of the moon?

Answer 2

Insulin Freezing Point

Answer 3

I think that anything below 0 is grounds for throwing it out, since ice crystals can form, altering the molecular structure of the insulin. I wouldn't say it's ok unless frozen solid. I would suggest you chuck any insulin that's been keep outside in -30 temps (in a bag, etc.), especially if the vial is cracked.

Of course, you should be able to catch the issue right away if you try to use it and discover your BG is high, but I say why risk it.

To prevent this in the future, if you must keep your insulin in extreme temps, keep it close to your body (inner pocket perhaps?) and under a heavy duty thermal jacket, as suggested. I would think that cartridges are more fragile than vials as well and more prone to breakage.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

i'm not sure exactly what the temperature would need to be to actually solidify it, but it should not be stored in a refrigerator lower than 36 degrees fahrenheit.