HEALTH | 4 MIN READ
5 Insulin Mistakes That Could Be Putting Your Health at Risk
Insulin Pen User? Is Your Insulin Safe?
Managing diabetes is a complex and vital process, and without properly functioning insulin, blood sugar can spiral out of control, putting your health and even your life at serious risk. Common mistakes can compromise efficacy and jeopardize your health.
Ineffective insulin may fail to lower blood sugar, causing hyperglycemia, while prolonged high blood sugar levels increase the risk of acute complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in type 1 diabetes or a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) in type 2 diabetes, both of which are life-threatening. Proper storage and handling of insulin are crucial to maintaining its effectiveness and protecting overall health.
5 Insulin Mistakes That Could Be Putting Your Health at Risk
1. Improper Storage Of Insulin
Insulin is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Exposure to extreme heat or cold whether in a hot car or a forgotten bag can degrade its potency. Studies have shown that degraded insulin may lead to erratic blood sugar control, increasing the risk of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
What to Do: Store your insulin carefully, ensuring it stays within the recommended temperature range. Avoid placing it near heat sources or in direct sunlight. We have found the TempraMed VIVI Cap insulin temperature shield to be a one-of-a-kind insulin protection case. The VIVI Cap is hassle free and easy to use and it doesn’t even require an energy source so it is always ready to go.
2. Using Insulin Beyond Its Viable Period
Even before its official expiration date, opened insulin loses efficacy after 28 days due to exposure to air and temperature variations. Using insulin that is past its prime can result in blood sugar spikes or dips, creating unnecessary health risks.
What to Do: Write the opening date on your insulin pen and set reminders to replace it after 28 days, even if there’s insulin left inthe cartridge.
3. Forgetting When You Last Injected
Losing track of your last insulin dose is more common than you think. Whether you’re busy, distracted, or dealing with multiple daily injections, it’s easy to skip a dose or double-dose accidentally. Both scenarios can have serious health consequences.
What to Do: Keep a detailed log of your injections, noting the time and dosage. Digital tools and smartphone apps can help streamline this process.
4. Allowing Insulin Pens to Be Exposed to Damage
Insulin pens may seem durable, but they are susceptible to damage from physical impact or environmental exposure. Even small cracks or light exposure can compromise the insulin inside, potentially making it less effective. The VIVI Cap also protects insulin pens from physical damage in addition to environmental damage.
What to Do: Handle your insulin pens with care. Store them in a case such as the TempraMed VIVI Cap, to avoid accidental impact and protect them from prolonged light exposure.
5. Overlooking the Effects of Stress
Stress doesn’t just affect your mental health it also impacts your diabetes. Stress can lead to errors like skipped doses, forgotten injection times, or mismanagement of insulin storage.
What to Do: Build consistent habits and reduce decision fatigue with tools that simplify diabetes management. Having a clear routine can help you avoid stress-related errors.
Taking the Next Step in Insulin Management
By using patented, unique space grade technology, VIVI Cap provides solutions to the century old problem - keeping medications at their optimal temperatures in both hot and cold environments.
Have you seen the TempraMed VIVI Cap insulin temperature shield?
VIVI Cap offers a smart, all-in-one solution to address these common pitfalls. With features like temperature control and pen protection, VIVI Cap simplifies insulin management, so you can focus on what matters most: living your life to the fullest.
Don't let compromised insulin compromise your health. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and ensure every dose counts with smart insulin management.