Hurricane Ready

Living in our island home of Bermuda, we are all acutely aware of the need to prepare our homes and properties safely for the Atlantic hurricane season. But do you take extra steps to prepare for looking after your diabetes in a storm?

In the aftermath of a strong hurricane, damage to homes and widespread power outages interferes with daily routines, leading to erratic eating patterns and disrupted medication schedules. These disruptions along with the stress induced by a serious storm can both dramatically affect blood sugar levels and have a negative impact on health for people living with diabetes.

Taking time in advance to prepare for managing your diabetes is a wise step as once a serious storm threatens, it can be too late, or it becomes less of apriority as last-minute preparations to your home are being carried out.

Here are some useful tips to better prepare yourself for the upcoming hurricane season.

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Diabetes Hurricane Preparedness Kit

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·        Prepare and properly store a two-week supply of medication for your diabetes and all other medical conditions

·        Your Diabetes Preparedness Kit should also contain a working blood sugar meter with extra batteries, blood sugar diary, test strips for your meter (check expiry date), cotton balls and tissues, lancet device and lancets for pricking your finger, urine ketone testing strips, glucose tablets or juice boxes, Glucagon emergency kit (if on insulin), and an empty hard plastic detergent bottle with cap to dispose of all used lancets, syringes or needle tips. Make sure you have a power pack- and have it fully charged to keep diabetes technology, readers, sensors and insulin pumps operable through any power outage in the storm.

·        A hard copy of all medication, active prescription information and eligible refills, and a list of all medical conditions, recent surgeries, and past and present complications.

Ideally, these items should be stored in an easily transportable carrier such as a large waterproof container or small suitcase with wheels which can be easily taken with you should you need to leave your home.

Most of the challenges faced after a hurricane in Bermuda are caused by a loss of electricity, which has implications for food, beverage and medication storage. It is important to remember that insulin should not be exposed to excessive heat, light or cold. Insulin may however be stored at room temperature for 28 days .Discard unrefrigerated insulin after 28 days. Insulin pens already in use may also be stored at room temperature according to manufacturer’s directions. Novorapid, Humalog, Lantus, and Tresiba should remain clear. Insulin that clumps or sticks to the sides of the bottle should not be used.

Preparing an Emergency Food Supply

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Loss of electricity may often cause food or water to become contaminated. With food being a critical part of diabetes management, it is worth considering preparing a separate box of non-perishable food supplies in advance also.

Here are appropriate food items to make up your food supplies.

-         1gallonof water per person per day for at least one week

-         1large box unopened saltine crackers

-         1jar peanut butter

-         1small box powdered milk

-         1pkg pf dry unsweetened cereal

-         4-ouncejuice boxes- 1 pkg 4 boxes

-         6cans lite/water packed fruit

-         1can tuna or salmon per person

-         6cans of healthy tinned soup (e.g. Healthy Choice or lower sodium)

-         4packages glucose tablets or small hard candies for low blood sugars

-         Paper disposable cups/ plates,1 spoon/fork/knife per person

-         Hand operated can opener

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Sensible Tips to Follow to Prevent Illness During and After a Hurricane

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1)     Wear diabetes identification, (Medic Alert bracelet or chain)

2)     Always take your insulin or pills on time or as close to it as possible. Never omit your insulin or medication.

3)     Try to maintain your regular meal plan to the best of your ability. Your plan should remain as balanced as possible, including a variety of proteins, peanut butter, eggs, canned tuna etc, fruits, vegetables, milk, milk products, starches and grains. Avoid the temptation to eat readily available high sugar, high fat foods such as cookies, chips, pastries and candy bars.

4)     Increase food and water during periods of increased exertion and physical activity. Be aware that sugars may suddenly drop after periods of increased activity, cleanup etc.

5)     Check your feet for infection, open sores or blisters. Debris can increase your risk for injury. Heat excessive dampness and inability to change footwear can lead to infection especially if blood sugars are high. NEVER GO OUT WITHOUT SHOES.

6)     Be aware that stress can cause a rise in your blood sugars. Try to monitor your blood sugars as often as possible, and record in a diary.

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For stocking up on all your medications and diabetes supplies during the hurricane season, visit the BDA Community Pharmacy located at 22 Princess Street. Tel:297 8427.

**To save time in the lead up to your storm prep remember you can get your medications and diabetes supplies delivered to your house as part of our daily free delivery program from our pharmacy!

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