If you are a person living with diabetes, you know that every day involves careful planning. Meals need to be scheduled ahead and taken on time, medications have to be taken correctly or adjusted in the case of insulin, and blood sugars have to be monitored.

When a natural disaster like an earthquake, typhoon or flooding happens, this routine can quickly and severely be disrupted and it may be difficult to manage your diabetes if you are not adequately prepared.

The first few days following a disaster are the most critical because it may take time for help to arrive. Food and water supply may be limited. For this reason, it is essential for you and your family to have a disaster plan and kit that can provide for your basic needs during this time.

Aside from a first aid kit, you should have one that contains your essential medications.

Have a at least two weeks' worth of your diabetes medication, as well as other maintenance medications.

Check that these have an expiration date of over one year from the current date. Set an alarm to check on the expiration date of your medications every six months and replace them as needed.

Have several of these medical kits in different places such as your home and workplace, in bags that can be easily carried such as a backpack or sling bag.

Take your medical kit with you as you travel but avoid leaving this inside the car as exposure to extreme temperatures can affect the potency of the medication.