Emergency Preparedness for People with Diabetes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Diabetes Association Offers Tips for People with Diabetes Affected by California Wildfires

ALEXANDRIA, VA (October 23, 2007) – The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers the following tips for people with diabetes who are affected by the California wildfires. 

In addition to basic household emergency supplies, people with diabetes require additional supplies to manage their health. 

1) Medication and Supplies – ADA recommends having two weeks’ worth of supplies on hand.  They might include:

• Basic supplies – lancing device and lancets, meters and strips, alcohol wipes, extra socks, and skin protection ointment.
• If injected insulin is used – syringes, glucose tablets or gel, cotton balls, hand sanitizer, glucagons emergency kit, home sharps container for used syringes, and a cold pack.
• If insulin pump is used – extra batteries for pump and remote control, insertion devices, infusion sets, tape.

2) Food – ADA recommends having at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food on hand at all times.  These foods can include:

• Canned items - fruits and vegetables, tuna, other canned meats, and beans
• Drinks – powdered milk or shelf-stable milk, juice, diet sodas, clean water
• Boxed items – crackers, dried fruit, nuts

3) Documentation – Personal records are often one of the hardest things to replace.  Items to keep on hand include:

• Medications – extra prescriptions for each medication signed by a doctor, list of all medications taken and dosages
• Contact information – doctors’ and pharmacists’ names and phone numbers, a copy of an insurance card
• Personal health records – copy of diabetes care plan, including medication and meal times and dosages, and a record book to keep track of testing results.

The ADA asks that people with diabetes identify themselves as such to emergency authorities.  Experts are available to speak about protecting medical supplies, including insulin, and knowing when someone might need medical attention.

The American Diabetes Association’s Disaster Preparedness Guide for People with Diabetes can be purchased by visiting the ADA Web site at http://store.diabetes.org or calling 800-232-6733.  

About the ADA
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy.  Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities.  The Association’s commitment to research is reflected through its scientific meetings; education and provider recognition programs; and its Research Foundation and Nationwide Research Program, which fund breakthrough studies looking into the cure, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and its complications.  For more information, visit diabetes.org or call 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).