Insulin pen

[Arunda]

Hi guys only been a diabetic for about 2 months now it's Type 2 just wondering if anyone has had any problems keeping spare insulin cold while camping we have a ARB fridge.

Would it be safe just putting the box in the ARB like the fridge at home or should it be stored different 

They gave me a padded bag thing like a man bag it's like a cooler bag inside with a small gel pack that you freeze.

The bag is for day trips only because you can't let the insulin get to warm above 24c

Cheers

[LC]

One of our friends that came to the cape with us last year is a diabetic. The insulin was distributed between all 4 fridges in our group so that if one fridge failed or if one of the boxes got damaged there was still plenty of insulin that was still ok to use.

We just left it in the boxes supplied by the pharmacy and it was fine.

[funnyfarm]

I think your biggest worry is the fridge turning off without you knowing, even then, it would take a while for the temperature inside the fridge
to go above 24 degrees. the previous poster suggested a good idea if you are travelling with others, distribute the medicine around. If you are not going too remote, you could always rely on ice in an esky for backup if something happens to your fridge.

If travelling very remote, another option to look at is carrying dry ice in a small lunch esky to use as a backup if the fridge dies.

Another tip is make sure if you are travelling with other people, let them know you have diabetes and what to do if you start to go too low. Have a great trip away and enjoy.

[Patr80l]

From Novo:
• Store your insulin in the refrigerator (2º- 8ºC), away
from the freezer or freezing coils.
You can keep the insulin you are using out of the
refrigerator for up to one month if kept below 25oC.
This avoids stinging when injecting cold insulin.
• Before storing your cloudy insulin in the refrigerator,
gently shake the vial, cartridge or prefilled device to
resuspend any settled insulin. Clear insulins do not
need to be shaken before storage. Store the cartons
on their side.
• Do not expose your insulin to excessive heat or
sunlight.
• Do not freeze your insulin.

[Boo Boo]

I am a Type 1 Diabetic, which I have been for 23 years.  I keep both types of insulin in a plastic container, which generally lives towards the top of the fridge in our Engel and have never had a problem.  We also have an external temp unit that gives a more accurate reading at the top of the fridge. We just did a 7 week trip over Sept and Oct and the Engel kept the insulin nice and cool - I just make sure I take more than I need as you never know what could happen.

Amanda

[richee]

Well there you go....I'm type 2 and I didnt know some type 2's need to take insulin, I thought that was only for type 1's 

I'm controlled by medication, diet and exercise - I am bad at all 3 so I guess theres not much hope for me 

[Arunda]

Well there you go....I'm type 2 and I didn't know some type 2's need to take insulin, I thought that was only for type 1's 

I'm controlled by medication, diet and exercise - I am bad at all 3 so I guess theres not much hope for me 

Mate I was on the pills for about 4 weeks made me feel like I was spaced out all the time so they put me onto the pen feel normal most days then again if you miss lunch it's like you are on the pills again.

Thanks for the input guys makes me feel allot better, we go camping with others so a few fridges will help.

Cheers James

[Patr80l]

Eventually Type 2's need insulin.   How long that takes can depend on how well you look after yourself.

[kiwipete]

My son is Type 1 and we also have an ARB Fridge. In the Fridge I keep an internal fridge temp gauge so I have a bit of an idea where in the fridge the temp is. 
We tend to keep his insulin in the dairy compartment with a Glucagen kit for emergencies.   He also uses a insulin pump and we also have to carry not just Nova Rapid but Lantus and syringes in case the pump fails... 
So there is a lot to think about and we have only been on short trips from town but when we make the big step into the Outback we need to be absolutely certain we have everything available...   
The ARB Fridge is good but it can freeze very quickly and anything outside the Dairy compartment can get very cold very quickly and insulin should never freeze either...  One of those remote temp gauges could be useful for piece of mind. 
But as long as you are careful you should never have an issue…  You may even consider a smaller fridge for a backup if the ARB was to fail,   but gee you would have to pretty remote to need that…. 
We don’t have one of those day packs I think they are great, but you are going to need a freezer to freeze the pack,   maybe your new backup fridge is a fridge freezer???   We have a 40l Weaco as well as the ARB so we can do that as when we have both running one is fridge the other freezer… 

[Arunda]

kiwipete have taken what you have said on board we have on of those cheap 12v drink coolers
that should do the trick.

They have told me that if the insulin gets frozen it is useless don't want that to happen.
The bag was in a kit from Novo but I don't think it will last long going to find a small cooler bag for day trips.

The good thing is we go in a group most of the time so a few fridges around.

Thanks for your help.