Hey guys! Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for traveling with insulin. Typically, I will pack 2 vials of insulin in a lunchbox with ice packs to go on the plane, but a lot of times the insulin will go bad because the icepacks are not cold for the entire duration of the flight. Then I end up not being able to enjoy the vacation because my insulin isn't working properly and my blood sugar gets really high.If anyone has any methods for keeping insulin cool that work for them, I would really appreciate hearing them! Thanks
I can highly recommend Frio packs. The cooling factor is activated by soaking in water. They can be "recharged" easily by resoaking. They have different sizes - for pen cartridges, pens, vials etc. They also provide some cushioning.
Ditto. Frios are the way to go.
Agree. Frios are a winner. Wouldn't be caught without one.
Can I 'fourth' it? They're available here, with a portion going to DHF:
Just because ice pack has thawed it doesn't mean insulin is no longer good. Unless you're flyer around the world most ice packs will last a long time. As others mentioned Frio is good and also dry ice.
Another plus about Frio is that they aren't bulky. These days we really want to get asmuch into our carry on without adding bulk and/or weight.
I’ve read that frios only keep your insulin at room temp. If your insulin goes straight from the fridge into the frio, does that keep it colder?
From their website:
Great in HOT weather!!! FRIO® have been used in temperatures in excess of 120°F with complete success.
Tests prove that FRIO® retain their contents at around 25°C (77-79°F) for a minimum of 45 hours per immersion period in a constant environmental temperature of 38°C (100°F).
FRIO® have considerable insulation properties, preventing insulin from freezing at cold temperatures.
So yes, it basically just keeps it at room temp no matter what the ambient temperture is. Insulin is good for about 30 days at room temp which is plenty of time for most people to use up a bottle.
But only a bottle you’re going to use within 30 days, not your extras that you carry just in case. That’s my issue with keeping it at room temp.
Also, placing insulin on ice won't freeze it, especially if left in the box and/or in a baggie. Soda/water/beer don't freeze when they're put on ice. The ice begins to lose its freezing properties as soon as it leaves the freezer. I travel with ice and ice packs all the time for my insulin without a problem.
Thanks so much! Just ordered one!
Thank you for the link!
Just dittoing what everyone said about Frio. They keep the bottles cool enough that even an unopened bottle will still be good weeks and weeks later. I've traveled (by car) in hot climates (L.A. in summer) and the Frio kept the insulin from going bad even when packed in the trunk of my car sitting in the sun in 95 degree heat. The bottles I didn't use on the trip were still good (refrigerated after I got home) two months later.
Ruth
I have the Frio but don't use them. I do have this and it works good. You can freeze the cold pack that holds two vials and put it in the lunchbox along with more icepacks. I have used it on car trips to SC and it keeps the insulin cold for over 15 hours.: