Your Diabetes Supply Kit
Always Be Prepared
When you have a condition like diabetes, a trip away from home means packing a few extra items: the supplies you use to take care of yourself. If a disaster strikes -- a hurricane, fire, or simple power failure -- you may need to leave your home right away. If you gather a few essentials ahead of time and organize them in an easy-to-grab "go bag," you can be ready to head out at a moment's notice.
Extra Medication
Put aside 7 days' worth of any medication you take. If you have type 2 diabetes, that probably includes pills that help your body use insulin more effectively. People who have type 1 diabetes, as well as some people with type 2, will need to pack a supply of insulin and syringes or insulin pens. Check your stash every so often to make sure nothing has expired.
Must-Have Medical Supplies
Don't forget about the items you’ll need to test your blood sugar, including:
- A glucose meter with extra batteries
- Test strips
- Lancets
- An empty plastic bottle or sharps container for lancets (as well as needles and syringes, if you use them)
If your doctor has told you to check for ketones, you should carry ketone test strips, too.
Write It Down
Your supply kit should have important information about your condition and treatment. Make an info sheet that includes:
- Your diagnosis (type 1 or type 2 diabetes, along with any other conditions you have)
- A list of all the medications you take, along with details about the dose and when to take them
- Contact numbers for your primary care doctor, endocrinologist, and pharmacy
- Contact info for family and close friends
Food and Water
It's very important to stay hydrated, especially if your blood sugar levels tend to get too high. When you're planning for an emergency, put aside enough bottled water to last you at least 3 days.
You should also pack at least 2 days' worth of food that won’t spoil. Good picks include peanut butter, cheese crackers, meal replacement shakes, and granola bars. Canned food is also smart. Just remember the non-electric can opener.
Related Reading
Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on August 28, 2023
IMAGES PROVIDED BY:
Anna Webb / WebMD
REFERENCES:
American Diabetes Association: "DKA Ketoacidosis and Ketones."
American Red Cross: "Anatomy of a First Aid Kit."
CDC: "Gather Emergency Supplies."
Empoweryourhealth.org: "My Diabetes Emergency Plan."
Joslin Diabetes Center: "Diabetes and Major Emergencies: How to Prepare," "Common Questions About Type 2 Diabetes."
New York City Office of Emergency Management: "Get Prepared: Seniors & People With Special Needs."
© 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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