WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR DIABETES EMERGENCY BAG

If you have diabetes, it’s a smart idea to prepare a labeled, easy-to-grab emergency kit that contains the supplies you use to take care of yourself. Your diabetes emergency bag is indispensable when you travel and during an emergency such as a natural disaster when you may need to leave your home immediately.

Here is a list of the essential items that you need to pack in your diabetes emergency bag:

Extra medication (good for 7 days) – These include pills, insulin and syringes or insulin pens. Check your stash regularly to make sure nothing has expired.

Blood sugar test supplies – These include glucose meter with extra batteries, test strips, lancets and empty plastic bottle or sharps container for lancets, needles and syringes.

Information sheet – Write down important information about your diagnosis (type 1 or type 2 diabetes) and a list of medications you take, including dose and when to take them.

Snacks – Good snack options to quickly address hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include juice boxes, regular soda, and small boxes of raisins. You may also consider glucose gels or tablets.

Bottled water (good for at least 3 days) – high blood sugar levels can cause dehydration, so it’s important that you stay hydrated.

First aid essentials – These include adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, pain and fever medicine, gloves, scissors, tweezers, gauze, cloth tape, a thermometer, a blanket, and a glucagon pen (for severe hypoglycemia).

Medical ID bracelet – Wear your medical ID bracelet whenever you step out of your house. In an emergency, you may lose consciousness or your ability to speak. A medical ID bracelet that clearly states you have diabetes can save precious time for medical personnel to be able to treat you appropriately and quickly.