Keep insulin safe in monsoon

Monsoon rain may bring relief from the heat but it can create new problems for people with diabetes especially those who use insulin.

Health experts say high humidity and changing temperatures can affect insulin if it is not stored properly.

According to diabetes specialist Dr. Sameer Bhardwaj many people believe that keeping insulin away from direct sunlight is enough.

However during the monsoon season high humidity can also damage insulin and reduce how well it works. If insulin loses its strength a person may continue taking the usual dose but their blood sugar levels can still rise without any clear reason.

This can increase the risk of diabetes related health problems. Experts explain that insulin is a sensitive protein hormone that must be stored at the correct temperature.

Too much moisture or frequent temperature changes can affect its quality even if the insulin looks normal.

Doctors say there are three common mistakes people make during the monsoon.

The first is relying only on cooling bags or cooling wallets. These products work well in dry weather but in humid conditions they may not stay cool enough which can reduce insulin’s effectiveness.

The second mistake is storing insulin in the refrigerator door. Because the door is opened and closed often the temperature keeps changing.

Experts recommend keeping insulin on the middle shelf of the refrigerator where the temperature is more stable.

The third mistake is judging insulin only by its appearance. Insulin may still look clear and normal even after it has lost some of its effectiveness.

If blood sugar levels keep rising despite following your diet medicine and insulin schedule the insulin itself may be the problem.

Instead of increasing the insulin dose on your own doctors advise using a new insulin pen or vial that has been stored correctly and speaking with your healthcare provider if blood sugar remains high.

To protect insulin during the monsoon experts recommend keeping insulin pens or vials in a clean airtight plastic or glass container to reduce exposure to moisture.

It should also be stored at the recommended temperature and checked before each use. Health experts say that storing insulin properly during the rainy season is just as important as taking it on time.

A small storage mistake can reduce its effectiveness and make blood sugar harder to control.