Prepared, Not Panicked: Building a Diabetes Emergency Kit

September is National Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to think about how to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters—especially when managing diabetes. Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and power outages, evacuations, or limited access to pharmacies and healthcare can make managing blood sugar more challenging. Taking a little time to prepare supplies and important medical information ahead of time can make it easier to continue managing diabetes safely when the unexpected happens.

Start With Important Medical Information

Keep a written copy of important diabetes and medical information in a waterproof container or folder. Having this information readily available can be especially helpful if medical care is needed during an emergency.

Include:

• Healthcare provider names and contact information

• Pharmacy name and contact information

• Current prescriptions and medication list

• Medication names, dosages, and when each medication is taken

• Insulin pump information, including basal rates, correction factors, blood sugar targets, and other relevant settings

• Make and model of the insulin pump

• Make and model of the glucose meter and/or continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

• Emergency contacts

It can also be helpful to keep a copy of this information on a phone or other electronic device, but having a paper copy is important in case of a power or internet outage.

Have 1–2 Weeks of Supplies Ready

Aim to have enough diabetes supplies and medications to last at least one to two weeks, including:

• Insulin and syringes or pen needles for every injection

• Oral diabetes medications and other routine medications

• Glucometer, test strips, and lancets

• Extra batteries for insulin pumps and glucose meters

• Extra insulin pump and CGM supplies

• Glucagon rescue medication

• Ketone strips

• Alcohol wipes

• Glucose tablets or another source of about 15 grams of carbohydrate for treating low blood sugar, such as juice or hard candy

• Shelf-stable snacks, such as trail mix, meat sticks, protein bars, and nut butter

• Shelf-stable canned foods and a manual can opener

• An empty, puncture-resistant container for disposing of used syringes, lancets, and other sharps

Don't Forget the Extras

A few additional supplies can make an emergency situation easier to navigate. Consider keeping bottled water, hand sanitizer, and a battery-powered lantern or flashlight with the emergency kit. Water can also be helpful for taking medications and staying hydrated when access to safe drinking water is limited.

For those who use insulin, have a plan for proper insulin storage during a power outage or evacuation. Talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist ahead of time about how to safely store insulin if refrigeration is unavailable.

Check, Replace & Update

An emergency kit isn't something to pack once and forget about. Set a reminder to periodically check supplies and replace anything that has expired or is running low.

It is also important to update the kit when things change. A new prescription, medication dosage, healthcare provider, insulin pump settings, or glucose monitor may mean the information and supplies in the emergency kit need to be updated, too.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Preparing for an emergency doesn't have to be overwhelming. Having important medical information organized, keeping essential supplies together, and regularly checking the kit can provide extra peace of mind when unexpected situations arise.

For personalized guidance on managing diabetes during an emergency, talk with a healthcare provider and dietitian about creating a plan that fits individual medications, supplies, and needs. A little preparation today can make it easier to continue taking care of diabetes—and overall health—in any situation.