Diabetes Emergency Preparedness Guide

Calm preparedness scene illustrating diabetes emergency preparedness

Build a portable diabetes plan for medication, monitoring, food, hydration, records, power loss, and disrupted care.

Create a diabetes care kit,Pack the medicines, insulin, syringes or pen supplies, meter, strips, lancets, pump or continuous-monitor supplies, spare batteries, glucagon if prescribed, ketone strips if directed, alcohol wipes, and a sharps container recommended by the care team.,Carry treatment details,Include prescriptions, doses and timing, pump settings, device makes and serial numbers, allergies, clinician and pharmacy contacts, identification, and insurance details. Keep paper copies in a waterproof pouch and secure digital copies.,Plan food and low-glucose treatment,Pack suitable shelf-stable foods and measured fast-acting carbohydrate used for low blood glucose. Maintain safe drinking water. Follow the clinician’s plan for monitoring and treatment during illness, heat, schedule changes, or reduced food intake.,Protect insulin and devices,Follow product-specific storage instructions. Avoid freezing insulin or placing it directly against ice. Keep meters, pumps, and supplies dry and protected from extreme temperatures. Ask the pharmacist what to do after temperature exposure.,Know when to get help,Seek prompt clinical advice for repeated high or low readings, vomiting, dehydration, ketones when relevant, inability to keep fluids down, equipment failure, or medicine loss. Call emergency services for unconsciousness, seizure, severe confusion, or breathing difficulty.

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Quick checklist

  • Keep care, supplier, and emergency contacts current.
  • Store essential supplies accessibly and rotate dated items.
  • Practice backup communication, transport, and assistance.
  • Follow current clinical and emergency instructions.

Frequently asked questions

How often should the plan be reviewed?

Review it at least twice a year and after any change in health, treatment, equipment, household, caregiver, address, or provider.

Can household members improvise medical care?

No. Follow written instructions from qualified clinicians and device manufacturers, and seek professional help when the plan cannot be followed safely.

Sources

CDC Diabetes Care During Emergencies guidance and the patient’s diabetes clinician and pharmacist.

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