IMPACTO DO ARMA ZENAMENTO INADEQUADO NA ESTABILIDADE DA INSULINA. UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Resumo

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) corresponds to approximately 5% to 10% of diabetes cases and is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in absolute insulin deficiency. Although it predominantly affects children and adolescents, it can also manifest itself in adults. Considering that individuals with T1D have continuous dependence on insulin for glycemic control and life maintenance, the preservation of the therapeutic efficacy of this drug becomes indispensable. In this context, adequate storage of insulin plays a key role, since, because it is a sensitive protein molecule, temperature changes, exposure to light and inadequate conservation conditions can compromise its stability, reduce its potency and negatively impact the effectiveness of the treatment. Objective: To analyze the appropriate conditions of insulin storage recommended by the competent bodies, identifying how temperature variations, light exposure and inadequate conservation can interfere with its stability. To evaluate the impacts of insulin potency loss on glycemic control in patients with T1DM, as well as highlight the importance of patient orientation regarding the correct management and storage of the drug, seeking to prevent errors that may compromise the safety of the user in their daily lives. Methodology: This is a bibliographical research, with a descriptive and qualitative approach, carried out through the survey and analysis of scientific publications, guidelines and regulatory docu ments available in the PubMed and SciELO databases, published in the last five years, in the English language. Descriptors related to insulin, storage, drug stability and type 1 Diabetes Mellitus were used. As inclusion criteria, articles were selected tha t identified evidence on the factors that interfere with the conservation of the molecule and its therapeutic impacts. As exclusion criteria, duplicate studies in the databases, productions that did not make the full text available for analysis, as well as theses, dissertations and book chapters were disregarded. Additionally, research focused on the stability of other injectable medications or that lacked direct relevance to clinical outcomes in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was excluded.Results: Demonstrate that the stability of insulin is directly related to the appropriate storage conditions, especially temperature control. Unopened insulins should be maintained, in general, under refrigeration between 2°C and 8°C, a range considered ideal for the preservation of its molecular structure and therapeutic power. Temperatures above this range can accelerate degradation processes, while freezing can cause irreversible damage to the molecule. In addition, it was observed that exposure to light, particularly when associated with heat, may favor physicochemical changes capable of compromising the stability of the drug. It was also found that thermal stress can induce structural modifications in insulin, such as denaturation, aggregation and loss of the conformation nec essary for its biological activity. Such changes reduce their potency, compromise their therapeutic efficacy and may result in glycemic variability, failures in metabolic control and increased risk of clinical complications. In addition, the incorrect tran sport of the product during daily commutes was identified as a frequent risk v a r i a b l e t h a t r e q u i r e s g r e a t e r a t t e n t i o n f r o m h e a l t h professionals.Conclusion: That adequate storage is decisive for the maintenance of stab ility, quality and efficacy of insulin. The preservation of the conservation chain between 2°C and 8°C, protection against light exposure and the prevention of heat stress are essential measures to prevent structural changes in the molecule and consequent loss of potency of the drug. Thus, ensuring correct storage conditions and strengthening patient guidance are key strategies to promote effective glycemic control, reduce treatment -associated risks, and ensure the safety of individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is recommended to implement continuous health education actions and ethical pharmaceutical counseling to empower patients in relation to the safe management of their therapy.