Cooling technology | Dimensions | Time of action | Output
So, the summer is upon us, and with it the long-awaited vacations and travels. But for people with type 1 diabetes, high temperature is an additional problem in preserving insulin. After all, the hormone deteriorates even at 28-30 ° C. Thermoses and ice packs are used to protect the medicine from heat. But it is most convenient to buy a special cooling bag or a thermal case. How do they differ, and which should you choose?
Cooling technology
Thermal bags for storing insulin according to the principle of action can be divided into two types:
- The compact bag with gel cooling bag works like a cooler bag. To activate the gel package, you must first freeze it, and then place it in a convenient pocket in a thermal bag. The cooling effect lasts from 4 to 24 hours (depending on the ambient temperature);
- thermal covers with cooling crystals consist of two parts: internal and external. The internal thermal case has crystals embedded in the walls. After immersion in water, they absorb moisture and turn into a gel. Syringe pens, insulin cartridges are folded into the inner case, and then everything is placed together in the outer case. Due to the interaction of air with the gel, the cooling process begins.
Dimensions
Thermal cases with cooling crystals are more compact than thermal cases with gel bags. Suitable for storage and transportation of several syringe pens, vials, insulin cartridges, pumps.
A thermal case with a cooling agent is a convenient organizer, which, in addition to injectors and containers with insulin, will also contain other diabetic accessories (glucometer, test strips, lancets, hypoglycemic drugs), and various medications.
Time of action
Gel bags must be placed in the freezer for at least 4 hours before use. After that, depending on the design of the bag, the ambient temperature, the thermal bag can hold the optimum temperature from 4 to 24 hours.
A case with cooling crystals can maintain a temperature below 26 ° C for an unlimited time, provided that the inner case is immersed in water for 3-5 minutes every 45 hours.
Output
If you do not often and for short distances move around in the heat, it is more convenient to use a pencil case or a thermal bag with a gel package. It has less upkeep as the gel package can be constantly kept in the refrigerator.
For long trips, as well as for active people who spend a lot of time on the road, they are accustomed to get out on a weekend in the countryside, the right option is a thermal case with a cooling gel. It keeps cool for much longer (up to 3 days), only water is needed for activation.