Can someone point me to some “practical” advice/recommendations/experiences for insulin storage during extended outings (i.e., trekking; backpacking) in hot/tropical environments where neither ice nor gel-pack refreezing is an option?

An unglazed clay pot works; water in the pot, insulin in the pot; evaporation of water through the pot and the temperature will stay remarkably cool.

LD
Additional comments from Dr. Stuart Brink:

Dig a hole in the ground, place insulin vials in a somewhat larger plastic sealed jug/jar and the water in the ground will keep relatively stable and not so hot temperatures even in tropic conditions like India.

Insulation with bubble wrap should work in a back pack if you cannot get freezer packs. Many small insulation kits are available that should also work if not too bulky.

You can try this in the trunk of a car parked in a hot, sunny spot and measure the ambient trunk temperature as well as the temperature of the “water bath,” to prove that it works. There was an article in Diabetes Care several years ago that described this technique for rural Indian villages.

SB

[Editor’s comment: There are a number of products (travel cases, etc) that can be purchased to assist you in keeping your insulin protected from heat. See FR�O Cooling Wallet as an example. Also, a on-line search for “diabetes travel” topics will provide you with additional links.

SS]

[Editor’s comment: Also, look through prior Travel questions.

WWQ]