Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
12:08
Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
19.7K
Characterizing normal-use temperature conditions of pumped insulin
Joshua K Herr1, Steven Keith2, Rick Klug1
1Becton Dickinson Technologies, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology
|May 31, 2014
Summary
Insulin pump reservoir temperatures stayed between 25-37°C year-round, averaging near 30°C. This finding can improve insulin stability and compatibility testing protocols.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Insulin pump therapy is crucial for diabetes management.
- Understanding in-use temperature profiles is vital for insulin stability.
- Current stability testing may not reflect real-world conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize insulin pump reservoir temperature profiles during normal wear across seasons.
- To compare in-use reservoir temperatures with standard stability testing conditions.
- To inform the development of improved insulin formulation and delivery device testing.
Main Methods:
- Volunteers wore insulin pumps with thermocouples in reservoirs filled with diluent.
- Temperature and activity data were logged across winter, spring, and summer.
- Data collected over 7–14 days per season from 3–5 volunteers.
Main Results:
- Reservoir temperatures were consistently higher than ambient temperatures due to body heat.
- Temperatures fluctuated between 25°C and 37°C irrespective of season.
- Average reservoir temperature was approximately 30°C, lower than the 37°C used in many protocols.
Conclusions:
- Real-world insulin pump reservoir temperatures are moderate and stable across seasons.
- Existing stability testing at 37°C may not accurately represent typical usage.
- Study findings can guide the creation of more relevant testing methods for insulin products.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
1.3K
Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
1.3K
01:27Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
1.2K
Insulin preparations are categorized by their duration of action into short-acting and long-acting types. Two strategies are used to modify insulin's absorption and pharmacokinetic profile: slowing the absorption post-subcutaneous injection, or altering human insulin's amino acid sequence or protein structure. These changes retain the insulin's ability to bind to the insulin receptor, but alter its behavior in solution or after injection.
Short-acting insulins are divided into...
Short-acting insulins are divided into...
1.2K
01:30Production of Pharmaceuticals
90
Industrial insulin production uses genetically engineered E. coli expressing a proinsulin gene controlled by a tryptophan promoter and containing a methionine linker for later cleavage. The cells also carry ampicillin resistance for selective growth. Seed cultures are stored at −80 °C and production begins by thawing a small amount to inoculate starter cultures, which are progressively scaled to a 50,000-L bioreactor. In the bioreactor, E. coli grow in nutrient-rich media under...
90
01:25Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
2.0K
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
2.0K
01:07Body Temperature
1.8K
Body temperature reflects the equilibrium between heat production and heat loss within the body. Most heat is generated by metabolically active tissues, particularly the liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and endocrine organs. At rest, skeletal muscles contribute 20–30% of total heat production, but during vigorous exercise, this can increase up to 30–40 times.
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C...
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C...
1.8K
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
1.9K
Procedural Guide for Assessing Axillary Body Temperature using a Digital Thermometer:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
1.9K