Emergency Preparedness For People With Diabetes

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 24 Oct 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers the following tips for people with diabetes who are affected by the California wildfires.

In addition to basic household emergency supplies, people with diabetes require additional supplies to manage their health.

1) Medication and Supplies -- ADA recommends having two weeks' worth of supplies on hand. They might include:

-- Basic supplies -- lancing device and lancets, meters and strips, alcohol wipes, extra socks, and skin protection ointment.

-- If injected insulin is used -- syringes, glucose tablets or gel, cotton balls, hand sanitizer, glucagons emergency kit, home sharps container for used syringes, and a cold pack.

-- If insulin pump is used -- extra batteries for pump and remote control, insertion devices, infusion sets, tape.

2) Food -- ADA recommends having at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food on hand at all times. These foods can include:

-- Canned items -- fruits and vegetables, tuna, other canned meats, and beans

-- Drinks -- powdered milk or shelf-stable milk, juice, diet sodas, clean water

-- Boxed items -- crackers, dried fruit, nuts

3) Documentation -- Personal records are often one of the hardest things to replace. Items to keep on hand include:

-- Medications -- extra prescriptions for each medication signed by a doctor, list of all medications taken and dosages

-- Contact information -- doctors' and pharmacists' names and phone numbers, a copy of an insurance card

-- Personal health records -- copy of diabetes care plan, including medication and meal times and dosages, and a record book to keep track of testing results.

The ADA asks that people with diabetes identify themselves as such to emergency authorities. Experts are available to speak about protecting medical supplies, including insulin, and knowing when someone might need medical attention.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association provides services to hundreds of communities across the country.

American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org