The warm climate in Kenya and the frequent power blackouts pose serious challenges when it comes to the safe storage of cold-chain medicines such as insulin. Insulin is a protein that is very sensitive to temperature, and exposure to extreme heat or cold degrades it. Degraded insulin is not effective and can result in poor blood sugar control as well as wastage of medication. Whether you have a fridge or rely on simple cooling methods, keeping insulin within the right temperature range ensures it remains safe and effective.
General rules for insulin storage
Before opening (unopened vials, pens or cartridges)
Unopened insulin should be stored in the fridge between 2- 8 degrees Celsius. It should not be frozen, as freezing it makes it ineffective and unsafe to use. Always store the medicine inside the fridge compartments on the middle shelves, away from the cooling element and not on the door of the fridge, where the fridge temperature is not stable. It must remain in the original box or container so that it is protected from light. Before you store it, check the expiry date on the medicine box.
After Opening (In-Use vials, pens or cartridges)
Once the insulin is in use, it should be stored at room temperature, i.e., below 25–30 degrees Celsius, for up to 28 days, depending on the specific insulin brand. It must be kept in a cool, dark part of the house away from direct sunlight and heating elements. Storing opened insulin at room temperature helps to reduce pain during administration and stops the medication from condensing inside the pen. Always check the medicine insert for proper storage instructions
How to Store Insulin in a Kenyan Home (Practical Tips)
1. If You Have a Working Fridge
Unopened insulin should be stored on the middle shelves, away from the freezer compartment and fridge walls. The insulin vials or pens should first be placed in a labelled container to prevent them from touching the back section of the refrigerator, which might be colder.
2. If Your Area Has Frequent Power Blackouts
Many Kenyan homes experience frequent power fluctuations. The good thing is that a properly working fridge usually maintains a cool environment for about 4 to 6 hours if it remains unopened. If you live in an area with regular blackouts, wrap your unopened insulin in a clean cloth before placing it inside the fridge during a power outage. Avoid frequent opening of the fridge door to maintain the cool temperature inside the fridge. It is also important to think about having a backup cooling method.
3. If You Don’t Have a Fridge at Home
a. Use a Clay Pot (Pot-in-Pot)
Place a small clay pot inside a larger pot and place wet sand in between them. Place the insulin inside plastic bags before placing it in the smaller pot, so that it does not get damaged by water. Use a damp cloth to cover the top and store them in a cool, airy place. This can maintain temperatures between 20-25 degrees, which is enough for opened vials. How this works is that water evaporates from the wet sand, drawing away heat in the process, which lowers the temperature within the smaller inner pot.
b. Use Cooling Bags
These cooling bags work via evaporation and do not require electricity. They contain gels or water-activated crystals through which the insulin will remain cool for days with just water. These are convenient for everyday use and ideal while travelling. They are widely available in pharmacies in Kenya and online shops. Always wrap the insulin in a paper towel or cloth so that it doesn’t touch the ice pack directly, as this may freeze the insulin.
c. Use a Cool, Shaded Place in the House
In environments without extreme temperatures, keep the insulin away from windows, stores and heating elements in the house. A cool, dark cabinet or drawer that is away from hot external walls is the ideal spot to store pens that are in use. Wrap the insulin in a clean, damp cloth and store it in a cool and dark part of the house. The cloth should be rewet and changed frequently. You can also place the insulin in a ceramic cup inside a drawer to help keep it away from heat.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not freeze insulin (or store it directly against ice packs)
- Do not expose insulin to direct sunlight
- Do not leave insulin inside a hot car, bag or pocket
- Do not place insulin on top of fridges because they release heat
- Do not store insulin near the cooker or microwave
- Do not use insulin that is expired or cloudy (unless it is NPH, which is naturally cloudy)
How to Know If Your Insulin is Spoilt
Before you administer each dose, always check that your insulin is not damaged. Even if it has been stored properly, insulin that is damaged will not work effectively. Look out for the following signs of damage:
- Frosting or ice crystals
- Clumping or particles
- Cloudiness (unless it is NPH insulin, which is naturally cloudy and needs to be mixed before administration)
- Change in colour
- Change in thickness
- Sudden, unexplained high blood glucose levels
If you notice any of these, discard the insulin immediately and open a new one.
Handling Insulin While Travelling
Always use an insulated pouch or a cooler box with reusable ice packs while in transit. The insulin should be wrapped in cloth or paper towels so that it is not in direct contact with the ice packs.
Do not store insulin in a car boot, but keep it in hand luggage. Never check it on a plane or bus.
Whenever you are checking into a hotel, request for rooms with a fridge or ask for temporary storage.
When walking, keep insulin away from direct sunlight.
Final dose of clarity
Proper insulin storage is essential. If you’re unsure about your insulin type or storage instructions, speak to a pharmacist for personalised guidance, as they know your insulin type and local conditions. Whenever you open a new vial, cartridge or pen, always ensure you indicate the date of opening so that you keep track of the 28 days within which you should use it.
If you experience frequent power outages, it is good to also have a backup plan in place, such as a small solar-powered refrigerator, clay pot coolers, insulated bags or a thermos.
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