Why must insulin be refrigerated?

something ive always wondered..
Answer:
Actually, that's a myth. I was told the same thing 14 years ago, when I found out I was an insulin-dependent diabetic. You really don't have to keep it refrigerated. Just avoid extreme heat or cold, because then the insulin can go bad. It's more a precaution than anything else.

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Insulin has a half-life in which the chemicals break down over time. Keeping them refrigerated helps to slow that process.

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actually, not all insulin must be refrigerated, and some can even be stable at room temperature up to 28 days, depending on the type and brand.the reason that it is typically refrigerated is that insulin is a protein. it is very likely to be broken down by the very solution it comes packaged in. high temperatures will increase the rate that the protein is broken down, so obviously low temperatures reduce the rate of its catabolism.

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It doesn't have to be, but it only keeps about a month out of the refrigerator. Ask a pharmacist for the exact figures on this.

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I use insulin in a pump and as soon as I buy it, I leave it out of the refrigerator. It is easier to fill the reservoir without getting bubbles. But before the pump I always left the insulin out of the refrigerator because when you inject cold insulin, it causes atrophy under the skin. Insulin only loses about 3% effectiveness at room temperature

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Most if not all insulin's today can be keep out of the refrigerator for 28 to 30 days, the reason for refrigeration is the insulin will deteriorate (break down) if kept out longer.

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