How many extra (unopened) insulin vials/pens do you have on-hand?

Activity
- 1 hour, 34 minutes ago
  
  Karen Newe likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Pinioned to youth, my comment may be difficult for some of you to understand. But at my age and experience level, long-term effects consists of what is going to happen in the next thirty to forty-five minutes. Sigh! 🎀 ྀིྀི
- 3 hours, 22 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  Which of the following do you use or wear at least 25% of the time (e.g., 2+ days per week)? Select all that apply:
  None of these. I'm not interested and have not even heard of some of them. The fewer gadgets the better.
- 3 hours, 22 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  Which of the following do you use or wear at least 25% of the time (e.g., 2+ days per week)? Select all that apply:
  How about “None of the above”?
- 3 hours, 22 minutes ago
  
  KarenM6 likes your comment at
  Which of the following do you use or wear at least 25% of the time (e.g., 2+ days per week)? Select all that apply:
  None of these
- 9 hours, 15 minutes ago
  
  John Barbuto likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  I agree with Molly. I’m moderately concerned because if I were extremely or very concerned, I just wouldn’t participate. I’m concerned for others who are brave enough to risk their own health for the sake of research and helping others.
- 9 hours, 16 minutes ago
  
  John Barbuto likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Pinioned to youth, my comment may be difficult for some of you to understand. But at my age and experience level, long-term effects consists of what is going to happen in the next thirty to forty-five minutes. Sigh! 🎀 ྀིྀི
- 13 hours, 13 minutes ago
  
  lis be likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Our collective lack of concern about the long term ought to put us at the top of the transplant list.
- 13 hours, 14 minutes ago
  
  lis be likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  For me, this is a hypothetical question. On the surface, I am not concerned, because it does not effect me . However, if I were seriously going to view this as a genuine therapy for me, I would be very seriously concerned about side effects and long-term effects or immune system response.
- 13 hours, 14 minutes ago
  
  lis be likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Long term effects are not a worry to me after 50 years of T1D…..not sure that I have a long runway ahead of me. If it helps advance a better life for young people with T1D sign me up.
- 13 hours, 14 minutes ago
  
  lis be likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Pinioned to youth, my comment may be difficult for some of you to understand. But at my age and experience level, long-term effects consists of what is going to happen in the next thirty to forty-five minutes. Sigh! 🎀 ྀིྀི
- 13 hours, 29 minutes ago
  
  Natalie Daley likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Pinioned to youth, my comment may be difficult for some of you to understand. But at my age and experience level, long-term effects consists of what is going to happen in the next thirty to forty-five minutes. Sigh! 🎀 ྀིྀི
- 13 hours, 49 minutes ago
  
  ChrisW likes your comment at
  Have you heard about tegoprupart, an immunosuppressant alternative with fewer side effects than traditional immunosuppressants, now being used for islet cell transplantation?
  Well the first person in this trial has been insulin-free for over 1-1/2 years and has been feeling fine. All 12 participants in this trial so far are off of insulin. The trial is now going to include people with t-1 diabetes and some kidney damage as this immunosuppressant (tegoprubart) has shown no toxic effects to islet cells or to kidneys. I will keep watching as the trial progresses. This question only asked if we had heard about it. I didn't see the question as an advertisement.
- 13 hours, 56 minutes ago
  
  ChrisW likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Pinioned to youth, my comment may be difficult for some of you to understand. But at my age and experience level, long-term effects consists of what is going to happen in the next thirty to forty-five minutes. Sigh! 🎀 ྀིྀི
- 13 hours, 56 minutes ago
  
  Brian Vodehnal likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Concern is relative to outcome. Getting a five year reprieve on the daily management of T1D might be worth it.
- 14 hours, 53 minutes ago
  
  Derek West likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  For me, this is a hypothetical question. On the surface, I am not concerned, because it does not effect me . However, if I were seriously going to view this as a genuine therapy for me, I would be very seriously concerned about side effects and long-term effects or immune system response.
- 15 hours, 42 minutes ago
  
  Bonnie kenney likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Pinioned to youth, my comment may be difficult for some of you to understand. But at my age and experience level, long-term effects consists of what is going to happen in the next thirty to forty-five minutes. Sigh! 🎀 ྀིྀི
- 15 hours, 43 minutes ago
  
  Bonnie kenney likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Moderately as this is for others. I don't imagine being offered this myself.
- 15 hours, 43 minutes ago
  
  Bonnie kenney likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  For me, this is a hypothetical question. On the surface, I am not concerned, because it does not effect me . However, if I were seriously going to view this as a genuine therapy for me, I would be very seriously concerned about side effects and long-term effects or immune system response.
- 15 hours, 43 minutes ago
  
  Bonnie kenney likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Long term effects are not a worry to me after 50 years of T1D…..not sure that I have a long runway ahead of me. If it helps advance a better life for young people with T1D sign me up.
- 15 hours, 46 minutes ago
  
  atr likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Our collective lack of concern about the long term ought to put us at the top of the transplant list.
- 15 hours, 47 minutes ago
  
  atr likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  For me, this is a hypothetical question. On the surface, I am not concerned, because it does not effect me . However, if I were seriously going to view this as a genuine therapy for me, I would be very seriously concerned about side effects and long-term effects or immune system response.
- 15 hours, 47 minutes ago
  
  atr likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Long term effects are not a worry to me after 50 years of T1D…..not sure that I have a long runway ahead of me. If it helps advance a better life for young people with T1D sign me up.
- 15 hours, 49 minutes ago
  
  atr likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  I just love your comments. 😃
- 15 hours, 49 minutes ago
  
  atr likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Pinioned to youth, my comment may be difficult for some of you to understand. But at my age and experience level, long-term effects consists of what is going to happen in the next thirty to forty-five minutes. Sigh! 🎀 ྀིྀི
- 15 hours, 50 minutes ago
  
  Gerald Oefelein likes your comment at
  How concerned are you about the risks of islet cell transplantation such as unknown long-term effects or immune system response?
  Pinioned to youth, my comment may be difficult for some of you to understand. But at my age and experience level, long-term effects consists of what is going to happen in the next thirty to forty-five minutes. Sigh! 🎀 ྀིྀི
Clear All

How many extra (unopened) insulin vials/pens do you have on-hand?

Have you ever participated in a T1D focused clinical trial? Tell us about it in the comments!

Samantha Walsh

Samantha Walsh has lived with type 1 diabetes for over five years since 2017. After her T1D diagnosis, she was eager to give back to the diabetes community. She is the Community and Partner Manager for T1D Exchange and helps to manage the Online Community and recruit for the T1D Exchange Registry. Prior to T1D Exchange, Samantha fundraised at Joslin Diabetes Center. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors degree in sociology and early childhood education.

16 Comments

kilupx

The answer to this question varies based on where I am in the 3-month supply cycle. I try to keep a couple of extra vials in reserve for emergencies. My prescription is for 6 vials every 3 months.

2

2 years ago Log in to Reply
1. kilupx
  
  Sorry. This was posted to wrong question.
  
  2 years ago Log in to Reply
2. Gary Taylor
  
  Seems like your response is to the correct question.
  
  2 years ago Log in to Reply
Gary Taylor

8 right now because I just received a 3 month supply of 7 vials.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Sue Martin

Oh, I just counted my Humalog for my pump and not my glargine backup. I think I really have around eight vials.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Dave Akers

I have INHALED INSULIN CARTRIDGES.. must have forgotten to include that. 🙂

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Kristi Warmecke

I technically do not have back up vials. What I have are my monthly supply that I haven’t opened yet. Huge difference in back up and what I need for the month.
The question is worded badly in my opinion.

1

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Bob Durstenfeld

I get a 90-day supply and I try to always have an extra vial or two of Novolog, If the doctor has them, I try and get a sample insulin pen as a spare too.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Nichole Pleisch

I have 3 diabetics In my house so our doctor prescribes us just a little extra each just in case.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Russell Buckbee

I marked 4-6, but they aren’t “extra”. They are part of the 90 day supply that Medicare requires I get.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
dholl62@gmail.com

I have an insulin pump and the amount should last me 21/2 monthe

2 years ago Log in to Reply
TomH

You need to define “extra”. I put 10-12, but that includes my next 90-day supply (15 pens) I just picked up.

2

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Annie Wall

My 1-3 2 actually) are not really backup because I get 90 day supplies and soon I’ll be ordering a new batch.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Phyllis Biederman

As with most other respondents, my “extra” Humalog insulin is actually part of my 3 month supply (4vials )for pump use. I always keep one vial of Glargine for use in the event of pump failure.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
KarenM6

Oh! I didn’t think about this, but reading the replies, I answered 4 to 6, but that is part of my 90 day supply!
I do also have some Afrezza for emergency high BSes.

2 years ago Log in to Reply
Jeff Balbirnie

Specifically designated “back-up” insulin, absolutely none. I wish I could have or afford any back-up insulin so that is a pen goes out of date, or is out of date, a vial falls/breaks…. I can STAY alive because without insulin I will die, period. There should be a mandatory safety factor which permits having a minimum of back up insulin.

2 years ago Log in to Reply