Diabetes Emergency Preparedness Tips

Create your emergency diabetes supply kit. Pack at least 3 days worth of diabetes supplies. Depending on your diabetes treatment plan, this might include insulin, syringes or oral medications. If you use a pump or a meter, you also want to pack enough batteries to last you 3 days. Make sure you also pack any necessary rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, cotton balls or tissue. Include some hand sanitizer to use before blood tests in case clean water isn't available. Consider having an extra glucagons emergency kit in your supply stash if you take insulin.

Pack carbohydrate sources in your emergency kit. Include fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, regular sodas, apple juice, canned fruit cocktail or orange juice. You'll also need to store long-lasting carbohydrates, such as saltine crackers, a jar of peanut butter, a jar of soft cheese, a package of unsweetened cereal, nuts and canned tuna. Be sure to pack a mechanical can opener in your kit as well. Store enough clean drinking water near your supply kit to help you avoid dehydration.

Place protective clothing items in your emergency supply kit. A big concern for diabetic patients is infection. You should pack several pairs of comfortable socks, shoes, slippers and heavy gloves to protect your hands and feet from injury. Pack some antibiotic ointment in case you get cut or scratched.

Keep a list of emergency contacts in your diabetes emergency supply kit. This should include your physician and next of kin. Pack an extra medical identification bracelet or necklace. You always want to have one of these IDs on your body to alert medical personnel to your special medical needs. Place a copy of your insurance information in the kit in case you need to be taken to a hospital.

Keep your diabetes emergency supply kit in a location you can get to easily in an emergency. Label your supplies container so you can identify it easily.

Other Tips

Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. If your blood sugar levels get really high, your body will attempt to excrete the extra glucose out through your urine. Excessive urination can lead to dehydration. You must drink enough fluids to avoid this.

Know the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Emergency situations can throw off your meal and medication schedule, causing your blood sugar levels to get too low. Hypoglycemic symptoms vary, but commonly include shaking, sweating, chills, dizziness, nausea and blurred vision. Eat a fast-acting carbohydrate source when any of these symptoms occur. Carry a box of raisins or a handful of hard-sugar candies on you at all times.

Prevent foot infections. Diabetics particularly need to be concerned with their feet. Avoid walking around barefoot or through contaminated water. Examine your feet several times a day for cuts, blisters or sores. Seek help from a medical professional if you find any discharging sores, redness or swelling.

Identify yourself as a diabetic patient. You need to let medical emergency personnel know right away that you suffer from diabetes. Also inform medical professionals if you have any diabetes-related complications, such as kidney or feet problems. This will help you receive proper care for your diabetes.

Reference

http://www.diabetes.org/uedocuments/ADAEmergencyMedicalAdvice.pdf