Advice for people with diabetes during a crisis

During a crisis, it is difficult to provide online medical information that can help each and every person with diabetes. Diabetes is a complex disease and affects people differently. That said, there are several basic guidelines.

• It is important for all people with diabetes to avoid dehydration and try to get access to fluids such as clean water or low-calorie drinks as soon as possible.




• Upon arrival at a shelter or other temporary location, it is important for people with diabetes to identify themselves to a health care provider, member of the Red Cross or other relief organization to make sure that they are evaluated appropriately.

Wounds & Infectious Disease

The dismal health conditions faced by many people in the days following a disaster could result in wound infections that can be very serious for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is very important to seek treatment for cuts right away. If you can get access to health care services, please ask to be evaluated to make sure that open wounds can be treated immediately to prevent further infection.

Although infectious diseases are a frightening prospect, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) widespread outbreaks of infectious disease after hurricanes are not common in the United States. Rare and deadly exotic diseases, such as cholera or typhoid, do not suddenly break out after hurricanes and floods in areas where such diseases do not naturally occur.

Communicable disease outbreaks of diarrhea and respiratory illness can occur when water and sewage systems are not working and personal hygiene is hard to maintain as a result of a disaster. For more information about infectious disease, visit this CDC Web site.

Washing Hands

After an emergency, it can be difficult to find running water. However, it is still important to wash your hands to avoid illness. It is best to wash your hands with soap and water but when water isn't available, you can use alcohol-based products made for washing hands. Below are some tips for washing your hands with soap and water and with alcohol-based products.

When should you wash your hands?

• Before preparing or eating food.
• After going to the bathroom.
• After cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom.
• Tending to someone who is sick.
• After handling uncooked foods, particularly raw meat, poultry, or fish.
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• After handling an animal or animal waste.
• After handling garbage.
• Treating a cut or wound.

Learn more about hand hygiene in emergency situations.  (PDF)