Final answer:
Insulin must be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature if it's in use, and its utilization after high-glucose meals decreases blood glucose levels. Advancements in technology allow the production of human insulin using recombinant DNA, benefiting diabetic patients with a consistent supply.
Step-by-step explanation:
Insulin, including those preparations available without a prescription, must be stored properly to maintain its efficacy. Insulin injections are crucial for the management of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. After consuming a meal, especially one high in glucose, insulin helps to decrease blood glucose levels by facilitating the transport and storage of glucose. Optimally, insulin should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (about 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit). Insulin that is currently in use can be kept at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius or 86 degrees Fahrenheit) to avoid the discomfort of injecting cold insulin, but it must be discarded if not used within a month, as stated by most manufacturers.
Advancements in technology have made it possible for diabetic patients to purchase human insulin produced by recombinant DNA technology. This method involves cloning the human insulin gene and using it to transform bacterial cells, which can then produce human insulin. This is a significant benefit as it provides a consistent and pure supply of insulin as opposed to the animal-derived insulin that was used in the past.