Diabetic Disaster

More than 50 million people in America have diabetes, and many others suffer from other chronic health conditions.

During severe weather during both hurricane and tornado seasons, Eli Lilly and Company, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of insulin, suggests that individuals with diabetes or any other chronic illness should follow the guidelines below, no matter where they live.

Medicine and supplies should be stored in a defined location to be easily gathered if you must quickly evacuate your home or work.

Keep cool packs in your freezer to keep medicine cool.

Compile an easy-to-reach kit including:

Medical supplies: syringes, cotton balls, tissues, swabs, blood glucose testing strips, blood glucose meter, lancing device and lancets, urine ketone testing strips, items for your therapy, and blood sugar monitoring

An empty hard plastic bottle to dispose of syringes and lancets

Cooler for insulin

Pen and notebook

Glasses

Copies of prescriptions, insurance cards, medical information, and a contact list, including caregivers’ and physicians’ names and phone numbers

Physician’s orders for your child’s care are on file at school and in your disaster kit

Glucagon emergency kit and fast-acting carbohydrate (glucose tablets, orange juice)

Nonperishable food such as granola bars and water

First-aid kit, flashlight, whistle, matches, candles, radio with batteries, work gloves

Supplies for at least a week

Something containing sugar in case you develop low blood sugar.

No one can fully anticipate the results of a natural disaster.

With preparation, people with diabetes or other serious illnesses can manage their disease.

Taking the time to prepare could make a huge difference in an emergency.

If disaster strikes, remember to:

Maintain a meal plan and keep hydrated.

Monitor blood sugar and record numbers.

Wear shoes and examine your feet often. If a foot wound develops, seek medical attention immediately.

If relocated, call your doctors as soon as possible to maintain the continuity of your medical care.

Parents of children with diabetes should identify which school staff members will assist children in an emergency.

If you are displaced, identify yourself immediately as a person with diabetes so authorities can provide medical care.

Having an emergency plan that includes your medical history could be the difference between living and dying.