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7 Essential Emergency Tips for People With Diabetes
Much like having a fire escape plan or keeping a spare tire in the trunk of your car, there are several things that you can do to prevent disaster if you have diabetes. While this is a condition that you can control very closely, emergency situations can crop up that have nothing to do with your diabetes, but can still affect you anyway. In light of these possibilities, take a look at some of the tips that you can keep in mind.
1. Put away emergency supplies
In case of emergency, make sure that you have at least a 3 days' worth of diabetes supplies. Remember to pack an extra glucose meter, extra insulin, glucagon, lancets, test strips, syringes, and alcohol wipes. Glucose tablets can be used to treat hypoglycemia, and if unopened, can be stored for quite sometime.
2. Good written instructions
If for some reason you are rendered unable to speak or communicate, having an up to date written list of your care regimen in your emergency kit or even kept in your wallet is vital. This is especially important for someone who has a serious condition, and it is very handy for care workers to have on hand, especially if they might not be able to reach your primary care provider.
3. Don't forget related medications
You should always make sure that your home emergency kit is stocked with things like anti-nausea medication, anti-diarrhea medicine and basic pain medication. Check the expiration dates, but keep these medications on hand; they can be vital to your well-being in case of a real emergency.
4. Good storage
Once you have a good emergency kit put together, find a way to keep it good. Make sure that the container you have chosen is water tight, and make sure that you can keep your insulin as cold as possible without freezing it. Remember that if any medication has been in contact with contaminated water, you should throw it away.
5. Be careful of dehydration
A high blood sugar level can easily result in dehydration, as can sweating from high temperatures. Search out bottled drinks that don't include sugar and make sure that you have a good supply of bottled water near your emergency kit.
6. Be careful of infections and wounds
Due to the fact that diabetes can cause serious problems with blood circulation, it can make healing wounds and recovering from infections much more difficult for you. If at all possible, avoid injuries and if you get any, wash them out as thoroughly and as soon as possible. Seeking treatment right away can prevent much more serious problems from developing.
7. Good prevention
During an emergency situation, prevention is worth a pound of cure so make sure that you take good care of yourself. Treat wounds early, and wash your hands often, especially if you've been touching other people or handling uncooked food or garbage.