During natural disasters, emergencies, and hazards people with diabetes face particular challenges to their health care.
Diabetes Care During Natural Disasters, Emergencies, and Hazards. If you are an evacuee or are in an emergency situation, it is of prime importance to identify yourself as a person with diabetes and any related conditions, so you can obtain appropriate care. It is also important to prevent dehydration by drinking enough fluids, which can be difficult when drinking water is in short supply. In addition, it is helpful to keep something containing sugar with you at all times, in case you develop hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
To prevent infections, which people with diabetes are more vulnerable to, pay careful attention to the health of your feet, and get medical treatment for any wounds. The CDC has compiled many natural disaster and emergency resources in English, Spanish, and several other languages. Below are additional links which may be especially useful for people with diabetes. Some of the following documents are available in Portable Document Format. For simple publications explaining the basics about diabetes, visit our page of resources for health educators.
Emergency Preparedness
- Emergency Preparedness and You
http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness - Ready—Prepare.Plan.Stay Informed.
http://www.ready.gov - Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov
Insulin, Drug, and Equipment Advice
- Insulin Storage and Potency
Switching Between Products in an Emergency
http://www.fda.gov/cder/emergency/insulin.htm
Patients should try to keep their insulin as cool as possible, avoiding direct heat and direct sunlight as well as freezing if placed on ice. Although a physician should supervise when switching insulin products, here are recommendations for emergency situations. - Blood Glucose Meters and Hurricane Disasters
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices
Heat and humidity can damage blood glucose meters and test strips. If you use a blood glucose meter, check the meter and test strip package insert for information on use during unusual heat and humidity. - Diabetes Disaster Preparedness
Diabetes Disaster Preparedness pdf
This brochure includes helpful disaster management tips about insulin, pens, and syringes; food safety; foot care; managing hot weather, erratic mealtimes, physical exertion, and sick days.
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