I have been using out of date insulin

[xxlou_lxx]

I only noticed ealier on that the insulin i have been using expired in december 2010! 😱

obviously never opened but now im afraid that this is the cause of my unexpected higher blood sugars in recent weeks, does it make a difference? Maybe just a coincidence my blood sugars being higher?? and nothing to do with the insulin... I have put the rest out (about 8 pens)


Guess that will teach me to pay more attention! 🙄

 

[Northerner]

I expect it might have lost some of its potency Lou! I'd better go and check mine - I use so little lantus it's quite possible my stash of that is getting close to binning! I guess you'll know if it was the insulin when you start using the new stuff, although I imagine there's a fair bit of leeway and it's only 6-7 weeks past its date.

 

[Liz!]

Actually analogues are very unstable and lose efficacy quite easily. However, you've noticed now, you'll be fine! It only loses potency, it doesn't tuern into poison. Thankfully, as I used to take such small doses that my bottles would go out of date quite often.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

As Alan says. it might pos have lost a bit of potency. But doubt this as only a few weeks over date. I have used insulin 2 yrs out of date before now with no problem.
As long as it has been stored properly it should be fine.
As to higher readings lately. From reading other forums, I notice peoples needs are changing upwards now. Perhaps it's the seasonal change come early 🙂

 

[Barb]

out-of-date insulins

I'm sure there's a practice of sending out of date insulins to third world countries. Makes you wonder. Anyone got any info on this?

I only noticed ealier on that the insulin i have been using expired in december 2010! 😱

obviously never opened but now im afraid that this is the cause of my unexpected higher blood sugars in recent weeks, does it make a difference? Maybe just a coincidence my blood sugars being higher?? and nothing to do with the insulin... I have put the rest out (about 8 pens)


Guess that will teach me to pay more attention! 🙄

 

[Copepod]

Not out of date insulin - IDDT sends IN DATE insulin to developing countries - see http://www.iddt.org/here-to-help/id...aigns-to-help-people-in-developing-countries/

 

[xxlou_lxx]

Does seem a bit of a shame wasting about 6 pens full doesnt it?

I do have another theory for my recent blood sugars.... it may be a change in my contraception

But im sure all will be fine, just going to have to keep a closer check on it, only testing 4 times a day now on average so i think its just the shock when i get a reading of 14 eventhough i have taken the proper amounts of insulin!

Thanks for the replies everyone xxxx

 

[xxlou_lxx]

Not out of date insulin - IDDT sends IN DATE insulin to developing countries - see http://www.iddt.org/here-to-help/id...aigns-to-help-people-in-developing-countries/

Oh my god, are the stories true on that page? makes u wanna cry actually! its quite shocking and saddening that we get our insulin for free and to these people who cannot afford it basically let their child die because of the poverty... U know its like giving the child a diagnosis of terminal cancer or something, when in fact diabetes is obviously one of the diseases with a good outcome if you have the resources to manage it

I might look into sponsorship

 

[Northerner]

Oh my god, are the stories true on that page? makes u wanna cry actually! its quite shocking and saddening that we get our insulin for free and to these people who cannot afford it basically let their child die because of the poverty... U know its like giving the child a diagnosis of terminal cancer or something, when in fact diabetes is obviously one of the diseases with a good outcome if you have the resources to manage it

I might look into sponsorship

I remember asking at my diabetes education course, shortly after being diagnosed, 'What happens in countries where insulin is expensive and the families can't afford it?' The DSN simply said 'They die'. What I find almost as disturbing is that it's possible for people in the US to end up having to beg at A&E for insulin because they have no money and no insurance. If you can afford to spare a few pounds a month, you will most definitely be saving lives.