Preparing for Emergencies with Type 1 Diabetes

Because disasters can strike without warning, the best approach to preparedness is to assume an emergency could happen today. Living with a chronic condition like type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires extra planning and attention to detail.

It's important to keep a 'go bag' ready with backup supplies, including a blood glucose meter (BGM), test strips, insulin pens for pump failure, and other necessities to manage diabetes without electricity. After all, equipment failures and supply needs always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times! 

Stay Calm and Stock Up

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people with diabetes to keep a diabetes care kit on hand. It’s also vital to stay on top of prescriptions and make sure you have enough insulin and supplies to last one to two weeks. Apps like Stash Diabetes simplify tracking diabetes supplies.

Your Essential Diabetes Supply Checklist Should Include the Following:

• Medications and insulin.
• Medical information:
  
  • Copies of any prescriptions with current dosages.
  • Insulin pump instructions: basal rates, insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio, insulin sensitivity factor, blood sugar target, and correction factors.
  • Pharmacy and doctor’s name, address, and phone number.
  • The make, model, and serial number of your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
  • A copy of your photo ID and health insurance card.
• Insulin, pens, syringes and a safe storage unit.
• A backup blood glucose meter and test strips.
• Extra batteries for your BGMs, CGMs, and insulin pump.
• Insulin pump supplies, including extra pump sets and insertion devices.
• Emergency care for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Glucagon kits, ketone strips and meter.
• Hypoglycemia Treatment: Glucose tablets or quick-acting carbs (such as juice, hard candy, or honey) for low blood sugar episodes.

Read here for a list of the best products to raise blood sugar quickly, and it’s always a good idea to review our Ketones Crash Course: Three Things Every T1D Needs to Know. 

Other Essential Supplies

In addition to the above, the Endocrinology’s My Diabetes Emergency Plan includes the following:

• A three-day supply of bottled water for each person in the household.
• Several days’ worth of nonperishable food. Canned foods and a can opener are a good choice for an emergency food supply. Beans, soups, meats, tuna, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, rice, crackers, cereal and other foods you enjoy.
• Pens and notepad to record blood sugars manually.
• First aid kit and supplies: bandages, alcohol wipes, cotton swabs.
• A whistle or noisemaker to call for help.
• A copy of your Photo ID, insurance information and address.
• A list of family and/or friends, including phone numbers and email addresses.
• Flashlights and extra batteries.

Important Tip: Rotate your stock; check expiration dates frequently and create a ‘Go Bag,’ in case you have to leave your home in a hurry. (And make sure all family members know where to find it.)

Other Important Tips

• Keep bottled water on hand and stay hydrated. Water quality can be affected by an earthquake or other disasters. A clean water source is essential when you can’t be sure your tap water is safe.  If you do not have a clean water source, boil water for at least 10 minutes.
• Plan a meeting spot for your family, and make sure everyone knows the location.
• If you are a parent of a child with diabetes, your child’s school must clearly identify a staff member who will assist your child in an emergency evacuation. Ensure that they have your phone number and any other contact numbers.
• If you have additional children in school, find out where they will be in an emergency.
• If you work away from home, consider telling your colleagues, boss and friends about your diabetes and where your emergency supply kit is kept. It is good to have a backup person(s) who can be trusted with your medical information.

Pro Tip: Wear medical identification that helps colleagues, school staff, and emergency medical personnel to identify you or your child’s medical needs.

Preparedness Takeaway

Emergencies are scary, but being prepared with emergency supplies will provide a sense of peace during these stressful situations. For more information, check out these additional resources:

• American Diabetes Association Crisis Resources
• American Red Cross Emergency Resources
• FEMA Emergency Preparedness Resources
• Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition