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Storing insulin

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A

AndyS

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Guys

I have started travelling over the country with work again and was wondering if any of you can help with a query.

My employer has been brilliant as always and suggested I could store some insulin in the fridge in the office.

My query is.... does anyone know if it's a problem with health & safety if I store insulin in a fridge that everyone in the office has access to?

I know it's probably a stupid question (I wouldn't store needles with it).

Regards

Andy
 
I wouldn't see it being a problem, if a vial did burst, consuming insulin by mouth poses no dangers...........

If its just insulin for the day you dont need to refrigerate it..............
 
novorapidboi26 said:
I wouldn't see it being a problem, if a vial did burst, consuming insulin by mouth poses no dangers...........

If its just insulin for the day you dont need to refrigerate it..............
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Hi Novorapidboi

Many thanks for the reply. I'm spending a couple of days a week in the Midlands and live in Yorkshire. It's really incase I misjudge how much to take and end up staying longer than intended (if that makes sense)

Regards

Andy
 
I used to keep a spare penfill in the fridge at work, sat in a tupperware box, clearly marked.

As NRBoi says, unless someone has a hypodermic with them, they'll not be able to use it. They could steal it and sell/use it but that's possible with any substance.

You can also use a Frio bag that will keep your 'in use' insulin/pen at a better temperature if you're keeping it in a car. It can get really hot on the back seat and lose its potency.🙂

Rob
 
I do see what you mean Andy. I suppose it depends on what sort of company it is. With insulin being in the news for very bad reasons lately (the nurse injecting patients and also some recent care home deaths where insulin has been implicated) then there may be a very remote chance of it being taken for unpleasant purposes. Is the fridge in a communal or more secure area?

I know that might be only the tiniest of considerations though - I can't imagine any other reason why insulin in a fridge would be a problem. Make sure no-one moves it to the freezer compartment though! 😱
 
Look on your insulin leaflet that comes with the pens (or whatever). Levemir which I use lasts at least a month at normal room temperature. I would suggest you get a manbag and carry it in that with you.
 
Just what I was going to say, Vicsetter. Keeping a spare insulin cartridge in your kit is probably safer than leaving in a communal fridge, which could be switched off or insulin could be pushed too close to element, causing it to freeze.

Personally, I keep a spare of each type of insulin I use in my pencil case which goes everywhere with me, which would keep me going for about 9 days, although not so long for you.
 
I stored mine in the fridge at work clearly labled and when I went to make a cup of tea someone had it out of it's container examining it (grrr). When I said what it was they totally freaked out and reported me to HR (who already knew that I was storing it in the fridge). Now I have my own fridge under my desk that I only use. It's very handy as I have my Glucagon stored in there as well as my lunch.
 
As I understood it, as diabetes is classed as a disability, your employer has to provide you with adequate facilities to manage your disability in the workplace including a fridge or cooler to keep insulin.
 
Tumble said:
I stored mine in the fridge at work clearly labled and when I went to make a cup of tea someone had it out of it's container examining it (grrr). When I said what it was they totally freaked out and reported me to HR (who already knew that I was storing it in the fridge). Now I have my own fridge under my desk that I only use. It's very handy as I have my Glucagon stored in there as well as my lunch.
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That's dreadful! On what grounds did they report you, and what were they doing looking at it in the first place? Ridiculous! Still, you can now keep your snacks frsh in your own fridge without anyone nicking them 🙂
 
When that person discovered that I had my own fridge they asked if they could store their lunch in it one day as the other fridge was already full. As you can guess I said no and was again reported to HR. HR basically told that person that they were the reason that I had my own fridge because they were interferring with medication and told to leave their lunch on their desk if there was no room. I'm pleased to say that this person no longer works for our company. Just busybodies who have nothing better to do. It's not worth getting angry over, I've had the last laugh.
 
Tumble said:
When that person discovered that I had my own fridge they asked if they could store their lunch in it one day as the other fridge was already full. As you can guess I said no and was again reported to HR. HR basically told that person that they were the reason that I had my own fridge because they were interferring with medication and told to leave their lunch on their desk if there was no room. I'm pleased to say that this person no longer works for our company. Just busybodies who have nothing better to do. It's not worth getting angry over, I've had the last laugh.
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Goodness! I bet HR were glad when they went! 🙂
 
Guys

Many thanks for the info and tips. I'm glad I asked, I have just spoken to my Manager and he's arranging for a small lockable fridge to be installed near my desk.

Best regards

Andy
 
Great news.
 
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