What effect does freezing insulin have?

Freezing insulin causes denaturation, which means that the protein structure of the insulin molecule is altered. Insulin is a protein hormone, and like many proteins, its effectiveness is heavily reliant on its three-dimensional structure. When insulin is exposed to freezing temperatures, the ice crystals that form can disrupt the bonds that hold the protein structure together, leading to changes that prevent it from functioning correctly.

This denaturation results in the loss of biological activity, making the insulin ineffective for managing blood glucose levels. Therefore, it's crucial to store insulin correctly, typically in the refrigerator and never in the freezer, to maintain its effectiveness and ensure it can perform its intended role in regulating blood sugar.