Your doctor is correct about insulin not needing to be refrigerated once opened, but once it is opened, the shelf life is 30 days at "room temp". It does however begin to degrade more rapidly at temps above ~85*, so I just feel better knowing it's staying nice and cool when I leave on a weeks long trip.

 

Nice thread. Learned a few things. BTW, a company called Amylin already has FDA approval for a twice a day injection for type 2's that can't control their levels. The 2X a day is a problem for type 2 but they are about 60 days away from final approval of a once a week shot that also has a side effect that it reduces body weight by 10%. This is great news for type 2 diabetics.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/37975859?__source=yahoo|headline|quote|text|&par=y ahoo

http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=AMLN

 

You can get travel coolers like the ones here
http://www.medicool.com/diabetes/diabetes_travel.php
a quick google search there are many others sure you can find one that will suit your needs.

 

I agree, get an insulated cooler that'll fit in your bags and use those gel freezer pack things to keep it cool. I wouldn't let the vials sit right on the frozen pack(s), but maybe take damp towel and put it in between the containers and the pack. The other advice about staying hydrated is good, plus make sure she's checking her blood sugar on a regular basis and carry some protein snack bars, or something, for her to help keep it levelled. You might have to stop a little more often for her to monitor and maintain her levels, but she, and you, will be better off in the long run.

 

I am a Type 2 that takes insulin. I carry my pens in a thermos with the freeze packs around it. Works great and refreeze them when stop for the night. If you don't have a frig in your room or are camping, ask the owner or check in person. Always were willing to store in their freezer for you. I also carry a tube of cake icing for those low periods.

 

I'm sorry but how is that supposed to keep insulin cold?

 

There's a lot of cool stuff in the works for diabetes. A lot of stuff keeping the FDA busy.

http://www.biodel.com

Particularly:

http://www.biodel.com/content/pipeline/viatab.htm