Insulin is highly sensitive to temperature. Too much heat can reduce its effectiveness, while freezing can permanently damage it, turning otherwise reliable insulin into a guessing game. Whether you are traveling, spending time outdoors, or simply away from refrigeration for long periods, keeping insulin within a safe temperature range can quickly become one of the biggest daily challenges.
FRIO is convenient because it is reusable and doesn’t require electricity, just water! It works using a simple but effective process called evaporative cooling. Inside each wallet is an inner pouch filled with water-activated polymer crystals. When exposed to water, the crystals absorb the liquid and expand into a cooling gel. As the moisture slowly evaporates through the fabric, it draws heat away from the interior, helping keep insulin cooler than the surrounding air temperature.
Step-by-step activation:
Submerge inner pouch in cold water for 5 to 15 minutes (longer for larger sizes)
Remove it and gently towel-dry the exterior so it feels cool and slightly firm
Slide the activated pouch into its fabric outer cover
Insert your insulin pens or vials and it’s ready to go!
FRIO getting submerged in water (left), fully submerged in water (middle), dried off after (right).
Once activated, FRIO maintains safe temperatures in ambient heat up to 45°C (113°F) for 45 to 72 hours. When the cooling effect fades and the pouch feels dry and flat again, simply re-soak it in cold water for a few minutes to reactivate. This process can be repeated indefinitely without degrading performance.
There are multiple FRIO wallet sizes which hold insulin pens and vials.
FRIO wallets come in several sizes to accommodate different insulin needs and lifestyles. The Single wallet holds one insulin pen and is ideal for minimal daily carry, while the Duo fits two pens and works well for everyday use. For longer trips or higher insulin needs, the Large holds up to four pens, and the Extra Large can fit six or more pens or multiple vials. The Extra Large was perfect during my cross-country move. All sizes use the same simple water-activation process, with larger wallets requiring a slightly longer soak time of up to 15 minutes.
You can save 10% on FRIO by using my discount code JUSTIN10 using this link. Also, be sure to check out all of our favorite diabetes accessories and product recs here.
If you are planning a trip and want to feel confident and prepared, watch out our podcast episode Traveling with Diabetes: What To Know Before You Go, where my diabetes educator Mary Rose covers everything from packing strategies to airport security and adjusting insulin while on the road. For a complete checklist, don’t miss our Ultimate T1D Travel Packing Guide, packed with must-have supplies and helpful accessories.
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