The Ministry of Health is advising diabetic patients of the correct storage conditions for insulin – the hormone used to control the level of sugar glucose in the blood.

Under normal conditions, insulin should be stored in a refrigerator at approximately two to eight degrees Celsius and should not be allowed to freeze.?? In emergency conditions, where ice is used to store this drug, it is important to ensure that it does not freeze.??

Additionally, in the event of an extended power outage, insulin may be left unrefrigerated (between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius) for up to one month and still maintain its potency.?? The drug should be stored away from direct heat or sunlight in such conditions.

The failure to make insulin, or to respond to it, constitutes diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition characterised by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent).

For further information on the storage of insulin, persons may contact the Barbados Drug Service at 467-9323.????lbayley@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest