Diabetes and disasters 101

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.

Photograph courtesy of pexels/photomix company<br />Be mindful of your blood sugars because these can be elevated during times of stress.
Photograph courtesy of pexels/photomix company
Be mindful of your blood sugars because these can be elevated during times of stress.

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.

Photograph courtesy of Pexels/mikhail ni lov Have several of these medical kits in different places such as your home and workplace, in bags that can be easily carried.
Photograph courtesy of Pexels/mikhail ni lov Have several of these medical kits in different places such as your home and workplace, in bags that can be easily carried.

For patients on insulin, particularly patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus who cannot live without insulin, you should have your insulin and other supplies such as insulin needles and a glucose monitor in a separate kit. If your insulin needs refrigeration, have ice packs frozen and ready in the freezer that you can grab in a hurry.

Have food and water prepared for yourself, your family, other companions at home and also your pets, storing supplies enough to last two weeks. Choose food items that will not spoil easily and are easy to prepare, requiring little or no cooking, water, or refrigeration. Store at least a three days' supply of water for each member of your family. That means at least one gallon per person per day.

Be mindful of your blood sugars because these can be elevated during times of stress. If you monitor your blood sugars, continue to do so, usually before meals and at bedtime, and record in diary. If most of your blood sugars are over 200 mg/dL or if you feel sick, go see a doctor or healthcare professional.

Erratic eating patterns and very strenuous activity should be avoided because this might lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You should carry a fast source of sugar with you at all times, such as six to seven small hard sugar candies or canned juice.

Doses of some medications such as sulfonylureas (for example: glimepiride, glipizide, and gliclazide) and insulin might need to be decreased if you are not eating as much, or increased if your blood sugars are constantly elevated. Talk to your doctor ahead of time if you are unsure on how to make these adjustments.

Natural disasters are emergency situations, and in an emergency it is always better to be prepared. It is not an easy task, but by having the supplies you need and by being aware of the precautions you need to take, you can keep your diabetes under control until the situation has passed.

Read more Daily Tribune stories at: https://tribune.net.ph/

Follow us on our social media

Facebook: @tribunephl

Youtube: TribuneNow

Twitter: @tribunephl

Instagram: @dailytribunephl

TikTok: @dailytribuneofficial

Viber: https://shorturl.at/agnZ6

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
Daily Tribune
tribune.net.ph