Zeitschrift für klinischen Diabetes

Abstrakt

Challenges of Insulin Storage in Hot Climates

Amon Solomon Ghebrenegus

Background: The treatment of Diabetes mellitus (DM) focuses on proper drug regimen and lifestyle management. The worldwide prevalence of DM has risen dramatically over the past two decades. In Eritrea, DM has shown a significant rise over the past 10 years becoming the 22nd most common incidence in Eritrea for ages over 5year. Insulin is the recommended treatment for DM. Storage of insulin is key in maintaining appropriate functionality. Cases: We report here two diabetic patients, where improper storage of insulin led to many challenges in controlling their blood sugar levels in Ghindae Zonal Referral Hospital. The first is a 50-year-old male who has been on insulin therapy since 2010. Because he had constantly reported high fasting blood sugar levels, his insulin regimen was increased constantly but there was no improvement. Once the patient started placing his medication in a refrigerator, he showed marked improvement. Our second patient is a 32-year-old male who has been on insulin therapy. The patient has been recurrently admitted to the hospital with high blood sugar levels and diabetic ketoacidosis. He reported that he places his medication on a small cloth satchel that he keeps wet and hangs in the wind. He was advised to place his medication in a refrigerator. Once, he was able to access a refrigerator, he too was able to record healthy fasting blood sugar levels. Conclusion: Alternative ways of cooling are also as effective as modern techniques in maintaining the storage temperature within the recommended range. Healthcare professionals should intensely educate patients of the proper storage of insulin.