SamQKitty

While I've not used Novolog, I do use Humalog, and they are basically the same insulin (very minor differences)...also, I know several people who use Novolog.

No, this should not be happening. A couple of questions:

1. Where do you buy your insulin? If you're getting it mail order, it's possible that it's being damaged in shipping through not being kept at a cool temperature. This would make it go bad faster. Sometimes that can happen even when you get it from a local pharmacy.

2. How are you storing your insulin? The unopened bottles should be kept in the fridge and, if the temperature of your house/storage area is very hot, the bottle should probably be refrigerated in between uses. Another option which could work, especially if you go from place to place during the day, is to purchase a portable cooling pack, like a Frio, that can be activated with plain water and can keep the insulin at an even temperature no matter how hot or cold it is outside.

As you yourself noticed, shaking the vial doesn't help, once the insulin is ruined, it's effectiveness is also ruined.

I've actually never heard of this specific problem happening before, though. Maybe someone else can jump in here with some other thoughts on thickening of insulin?

Ruth