For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on SJ having questions about their insulin pen, and what would be the best response. % of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
SJ is 52 years old with a 10-year history of type 2 diabetes. They recently started on insulin degludec U-100 Flex Touch pen 15 units per day. At a follow-up visit, SJ brings their insulin pen and mentions they have been keeping it in their work bag since starting therapy. They are unsure how long they can continue to use this same pen.
What is the best advice for SJ for insulin storage in this situation?
- “It is recommended that insulin is always stored and kept refrigerated. Can you make sure you pack your insulin with your lunch cooler pack?”
- “Consider storing insulin in your freezer to allow it to be kept cold and protected when refrigeration is less reliable.”
- “If bringing your insulin with you every day helps you remember to take it, it should be okay to leave the pen you’re using in your workbag when at the office or at home.”
- “Once open, insulin pens can be stored and used at room temperature for up to 28 days, you should be okay with bringing it with you in your work bag.”
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer A is incorrect: % chose this answer, “It is recommended that insulin is always stored and kept refrigerated. Can you make
sure you pack your insulin with your lunch cooler pack?” While refrigeration is ideal for insulin storage, insulin does not always need to be refrigerated. Once in use, most insulins, including degludec, are stable at room temperature (below 86F or 30 C). Advising refrigeration may create unnecessary barriers and does not reflect degludec’s stability profile.
Answer B is incorrect: % chose this answer, “Consider storing insulin in your freezer to allow it to be kept cold and protected when
refrigeration is less reliable.” Freezing damages insulin molecules, making the insulin ineffective and unsafe to use. This option contradicts manufacturer and clinical safety guidance.
Answer C is correct: % chose this answer, “If bringing your insulin with you every day helps you remember to take it, it should be
okay to leave the pen you’re using in your workbag when at the office or at home.” Insulin degludec is stable at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 56 days (8 weeks) once opened. If SJ’s work bag is not exposed to excessive heat or freezing, keeping the pen there is acceptable and may in fact support consistent dosing. We can also calculate SJ’s monthly insulin pen usage (15 units per day + 2 unit prime per injection = 510 units per month or 2 pens per month), knowing he will easily use more insulin than open insulin pen stability time window.
Answer D is incorrect: % chose this answer, “Once open, insulin pens can be stored and used at room temperature for up to 28 days, you should be okay with bringing it with you in your work bag.” While it is correct that insulin does not always require refrigeration once in use, the specific duration varies by insulin type; degludec lasts longer than 28 days.
To learn more, check out our Insulin Storage Cheat Sheet.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
Learn More From Our Nutrition Expert
Level 1 Diabetes Fundamentals
6 Session Series Starts On January 7th, 2026
