Storing your insulin
Keep unopened insulin containers in the refrigerator. After an insulin container is opened, it's okay to store it at room temperature. But check the label to make sure. Once opened, insulin is good for a shorter period of time than the date on the container. Check the package insert to see how long the opened insulin is safe to use.
Do not let insulin become too hot or too cold. Keep it out of bright light and sunlight. Never use insulin after the expiration date on the label. If your insulin looks discolored, cloudy, or lumpy, don't use it.
Disposing of diabetes supplies
All needle and syringes are disposable. Use them only once. Then throw them away in a safe container.
Unless your state requires something else, get a “sharps” container at your local pharmacy. Or get some other kind of strong container with a screw-on or tight-fitting lid. (It should be strong enough that you can’t punch a hole in it.) Make sure the container is clearly labeled: “Used diabetes supplies. Do not open.”
Ask your diabetes care team how to get rid of the container after it is full.
Types of insulin
Insulin comes in different types that work for shorter or longer times. If you are taking insulin from a bottle, always check it before you inject it. Read the instructions that come with your insulin to learn if your insulin should be clear or cloudy. Do not take your insulin if you see any flakes, clumps, or floating pieces.
Regular insulin is clear. It is short-acting, which means it starts to work pretty quickly, and ends its action in a few hours.
Intermediate-acting insulin, or NPH, is cloudy. It starts working more slowly than regular insulin and lasts longer.
Rapid-acting insulin analogs are clear, work very quickly, and last a short time. Learn more about Novo Nordisk rapid-acting insulin.
Premixed insulin analogs are cloudy. The rapid-acting insulin analog part of the premix starts working right away. The intermediate-acting part provides longer-term insulin coverage. Learn more about Novo Nordisk premixed insulin.
Long-acting insulin analogs are clear. They start working slowly and provide coverage for up to 24 hours. Learn more about Novo Nordisk long-acting insulin.
