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Trouser pocket storage for insulin? Is it too hot?
- Thread starter Joules
- Start date
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Copepod
Much missed Moderator
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
The upper temperature for keeping insulin in use is usually 28oC (approx 82.5oF) or 30oC (approx 86oF). Body core temperature is 37oC (98.6oF), but skin temperature is usually a few degrees lower.
So, I wouldn't recommend keeping insulin in trouser pocket for any length of time. I admit to sometimes putting a pen in cargo / thigh pockets of trousers or shorts for short periods, when that's the easiest way to ensure pen is to hand at right time and for least chance of attracting attention, but pen is usually insulated from my leg by something in pocket. As well as heat, the other risk is potential damage to pen when eg carrying items.
So, I wouldn't recommend keeping insulin in trouser pocket for any length of time. I admit to sometimes putting a pen in cargo / thigh pockets of trousers or shorts for short periods, when that's the easiest way to ensure pen is to hand at right time and for least chance of attracting attention, but pen is usually insulated from my leg by something in pocket. As well as heat, the other risk is potential damage to pen when eg carrying items.
trophywench
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Well the pen is actually insulating the cartridge, isn't it? I mean does it (the pen) actually feel red hot when you go to use it? Because if it doesn't, it's most unlikely the inside of it would be warm?
Have to say hadn't used to carry pens about my person, being a girlie normally found with a handbag the size of a furniture van LOL, the pen was always in there too along with meter diary and Lucozade puse, normal diary pens, Rennies, Paracetamol, tissues, keys et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!
BUT my pump is definitely carried about my person - good grief, some ladeez wear em IN their bras! And I only change the reservoir when it's empty, about 10 days worth.
I ain't dead yet ......
Have to say hadn't used to carry pens about my person, being a girlie normally found with a handbag the size of a furniture van LOL, the pen was always in there too along with meter diary and Lucozade puse, normal diary pens, Rennies, Paracetamol, tissues, keys et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!
BUT my pump is definitely carried about my person - good grief, some ladeez wear em IN their bras! And I only change the reservoir when it's empty, about 10 days worth.
I ain't dead yet ......
Joules
Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
I don't think it's a case of it being dangerous for overheating. I checked on google to find that the potency of insulin gets lost if above the recommended temperature. I have never been told to avoid putting it in my trouser pocket by a doctor. Have been looking into possible reasons for running high sometimes 😉
DeusXM
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
It shouldn't be a problem.
Insulin is far tougher than most people give it credit for. My insulin lives in my pocket 24/7. There is no way that insulin in a regular trouser pocket will ever get anywhere near a dangerous temperature and even when insulin goes over a certain level, it's not as if there's a magic switch that goes off when insulin hits a certain temp and it all stops working. If it did, your insulin would stop working the moment you injected it.
Put it this way - I lived in the Middle East where summer temperatures can go over 50C and it's rare for the temperature to ever drop below 20C. I kept my in-use insulin in my pocket the whole time. Never once had an issue with insulin overheating.
Insulin is far tougher than most people give it credit for. My insulin lives in my pocket 24/7. There is no way that insulin in a regular trouser pocket will ever get anywhere near a dangerous temperature and even when insulin goes over a certain level, it's not as if there's a magic switch that goes off when insulin hits a certain temp and it all stops working. If it did, your insulin would stop working the moment you injected it.
Put it this way - I lived in the Middle East where summer temperatures can go over 50C and it's rare for the temperature to ever drop below 20C. I kept my in-use insulin in my pocket the whole time. Never once had an issue with insulin overheating.
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