Storing insulin during a power outage
Temperature, timing and backup options.
Not yet medically reviewed. Talk to your care team before changing your routine.
When the power goes out, insulin in the fridge is the first thing many people worry about. The good news is that insulin is more forgiving than many people think, as long as it doesn't get too hot or freeze. This guide covers practical storage during an outage. For questions about your specific insulin, ask your pharmacist.
What the FDA says
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's emergency guidance says that when refrigeration isn't available, insulin can be kept unrefrigerated between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for up to 28 days, and should be kept as cool as possible. Check your insulin's own leaflet too, since storage limits differ between products.
Keeping it cool without power
Keep the fridge door closed as long as possible. A closed fridge stays cold for several hours. After that, move insulin to a cooler with gel packs or ice. Wrap the insulin in a cloth or put it in a bag so it never touches the ice directly. An evaporative cooling wallet works without any ice at all.
Store the cooler in the coolest room in the house, away from windows and sunlight. Never leave insulin in a parked car.
The bigger risk in winter
In a winter outage, the danger flips: insulin can freeze in a cold house or car. Frozen insulin should not be used, even after it thaws. Keep it in an inside pocket or an insulated bag close to your body.
How to tell if insulin may be damaged
Insulin that has been very hot or frozen, looks cloudy when it should be clear, has clumps or crystals, or looks different from usual shouldn't be used if you have a replacement. If your glucose seems harder to manage after an outage, your insulin may have lost strength. Contact your care team.
Your devices
Charge pumps, receivers and phones while you can, and keep a power bank charged for outages. Know which of your devices use replaceable batteries and keep spares. Our 72-hour supply plan has a full checklist.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency (fda.gov)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Diabetes Care During Emergencies (cdc.gov/diabetes)
- Insulin manufacturers' prescribing information (storage section) for each specific product
Educational content only. Diabetes Collective does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with your care team before changing your diabetes management.