This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Preparation for the unexpected should be top priority for people with diabetes
LAS VEGAS — Emergency kits created to help people manage diabetes during evacuations following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have evolved into “My Diabetes Emergency Plan” — a comprehensive checklist that offers instructions to patients on how to prepare for any situation — according to a media briefing at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 23rd Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The shared mission of the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) in association with Lilly Diabetes highlights the importance of planning ahead for people with diabetes, not only in severe weather and natural disasters, but also for more common unexpected events like power outages, car trouble and trips out of town.
“It really doesn’t have to be for just emergencies,” Lawrence Blonde, MD, endocrinologist and member of ACE, said in the briefing. “Urgencies can come from many things.”
The emergency plan encourages patients to list information including: type of diabetes; medical conditions, allergies and prior surgeries; medications and pharmacy contact information; and health care provider information. The tool is particularly useful, Blonde said, because many people don’t have a list of recommendations on hand.
Among the items suggested for the emergency kits are: a supply of medications, blood glucose testing supplies, empty plastic bottles to dispose of syringes, needles and lancets, a source of carbohydrates to treat hypoglycemic reactions, water, writing utensils and first-aid supplies.
The shift from disaster preparedness to emergency preparedness has opened up new opportunities for conversation with a cross-section of audiences. Lilly and ACE have showcased the strategies at National Hurricane Conferences and spoken to federal, state and country-wide emergency medical service staff, as well as meteorologists and city planners.
“Many workers have said they are aware it’s a concern, but never thought of a kit,” Glenn Sebold, public relations director for AACE, said in the briefing. “This is an educational program not just for the patients, but for the people that serve them during the emergencies.”
Future plans include presenting the My Diabetes Emergency Plan concept as a routine part of meetings with municipalities across the country, and the groups are hoping to coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
For More Information:
mydiabetesemergencyplan.com