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Diabetics – Be ready when disaster strikes
STILLWATER, Okla. – When people plan for natural disasters they cover the basics – bottled water, non perishable foods, escape plan and first-aid kit. People with diabetes should take another step to be ready in advance in the event a catastrophe hits.
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist and Eli Lilly and Company are urging people with diabetes to be ready in advance in the event a disaster strikes.
Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service nutrition education specialist, said by taking the time to prepare for a disaster is important before a storm or other emergencies threaten. When these occur there is usually little or no time to make the necessary arrangements.
“With the confusion of a disaster daily routines can be thrown off and result in inconsistent eating and disrupted timing of medical doses. Events can disturb routines and could leave citizens without the access they need to their homes, health care professionals, medications or medical supplies,” Hermann said. “The stress caused by a natural disaster can both change blood sugar levels and potentially unfavorably affect the health of people with diabetes.”
To prepare in advance AACE and Lilly have a list of some of the preparatory activities for disaster planning:
· Make a list all medical conditions and prior surgeries.
· Have documented information about your diabetes, include past and present medications, adverse reactions to medications and past and present complications.
· List all medications, which should include pharmacies and active prescription information and eligible refills.
· Properly store and prepare a 30-day supply of medications for diabetes and all other medical conditions. For diabetes this includes insulin, oral anti-diabetic agents and, if prescribed by physician, a glucagon emergency kit.
For a full list available for download go to their Web site at http://www.aace.com/newsroom/disaster/disasterplan.php.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces that allows glucose to be used by the body cells. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy.
“More than 20 million Americans have diabetes and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States,” said Hermann. “Diabetes can lead to other complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower extremity amputations.”
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications
Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State
University
Stillwater, OK
74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu
