Preparedness and diabetes

Download this page in PDF format

Most of the time, preparedness is fairly straight forward: define the problems, categorize by probability, create a solution. The solution being your plan of attack This is the easiest way to define it. Then, it’s a matter of following through with your plan. Everyone’s plan is different, based on what problems they foresee. Yet, the basics of everyone’s preparedness plan has basic similarities.

When a person has diabetes, plans have to change… slightly. The plan of attack is still basically the same. Only slight modifications have to be made, as well as some precautions. There are some things that need special consideration.

• Special document kit- Include special medical information to your document kit. Include a list of your medications.
• Multiple lists- Give a copy of your medical information to someone close to you.
• Extra medication- If possible, keep at least a 3 month supply of medication on hand.
• Glucose meter- My wife has a backup meter, test strips and lancets on hand.
• Ketones- Keep ketone test strips.
• Dietary needs- Plan your needs as well as your families. Make sure to include enough foods in your preps for snacks.

Foods that should be included in your preps should include:

• Crackers
• Peanut butter
• Powdered milk
• Packages of things like cheese and crackers, peanut butter and crackers, etc.
• Orange juice (canned)
• Soft drinks (regular and diet if you drink them)

Some things to remember after a disaster has struck.

• Temperature- Humidity and temperature extremes wreak havoc on medications and testing equipment. Insulin can handle temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees for up to 28 days. Testers only work within temperature tolerances as well. Read your user guide for information specific to your tester.
• Exertion- When working, your blood sugar can drop. Excessive exercise when your blood sugar is over 250mg can cause your blood sugar to go higher. Test it more frequently.
• Diet- Stick to your diet as close as possible. Eat as close to the same schedule as normal.
• Stress- Stress can cause blood sugar to rise.
• Watch your hands- Make sure to inspect your hands and feet. Watch for signs of irritation, blisters, open sores and infection.
• Ketoacidosis- Ketoacidosis happens when there is not enough insulin in the body to break down sugars for energy. The body turns to burning fat instead, which creates ketones that build up in the body. This would be bad. Learn the signs.

Diabetes is manageable even in a disaster. By learning, changing and planning, you can survive.