Proper storage of your pump supplies will help avoid the little problems which can crop up and spoil an otherwise delightful day ...
- Keep your pump supplies in a cool (not cold) location, away from direct heat, such as furnace registers, window sills, etc. The reservoirs and cartridges have lubricant inside them which does not like hot storage environments. Since many of the disposable parts are plastic, they generally behave better when they are not stressed by environmental factors.
- Although the supplies are sealed in sterile packages, keep them away from dirt, dust, pet hair, etc.
- Keep your insulin cool. Insulin can be stored at "room temperature" when in use for periods up to 30 days (the exact number of days is the subject of endless discussion and debate. Use this estimate as a "rule of thumb" only). It is generally advised to keep unused insulin refrigerated between uses. It appears that the potency, onset time and duration of insulin, especially Humalog, is most consistent when the insulin is not subjected to extremes in temperature when the bottle is in use.