How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster with Type 2 Diabetes

Creating an emergency kit and plan, including medical supplies and food, can help you stay safe and healthy through a natural disaster with type 2 diabetes.

Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming at first, but you can get into a groove. Maybe you’ve found a meal that leaves you feeling nourished and satisfied without spiking blood sugar. You have your treatment plan down to a tee, and your A1C is trending in a direction you and your doctor are comfortable with.

If only we had the same ability to manage the weather, but we don’t. That means none of us are immune to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.

“Natural disasters are often disruptive not only to our homes and environment but also to our medical conditions,” said Andres Splenser, MD, an endocrinologist at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.

This includes type 2 diabetes. For instance, what happens if you lose power and can’t refrigerate new pens? What about food and other vital supplies? Advanced planning — including for people who don’t live in disaster-prone areas — can ensure you’ve got what you need when needed, even during an emergency.

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Type 2 diabetes emergency tool kit checklist

One of the most significant concerns during an emergency is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, which is more likely to happen when someone’s medication or meal schedules are thrown off kilter, said ​​Libu Varughese, MD, endocrinologist and medical advisor at Aeroflow Diabetes.

Experiencing a natural disaster like a hurricane is an understandable reason to miss a meal. However, skipping meals can do more harm than good with diabetes. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for your emergency tool kit.

Medication and supplies

As a Texas-based physician, Splenser is no stranger to working through emergencies. His No. 1 piece of advice?

“Be prepared and give yourself at least 2 weeks of medication just in case,” he said. “Power may go down for just a day or two, but internet disruptions can last much, much longer and affect not only your home but also pharmacies and even hospitals.”

If you have advanced warning of a storm, double-check your kit to see how many diabetes medications and supplies you have and the expiration dates.

Pro tip: Toni Isabella, RN, CDE, Manager of the Diabetes Center at Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health in Edison, New Jersey, said these related supplies include:

• insulin and syringes for 2 weeks
• alcohol wipes to disinfect injection sites and fingers
• an empty container to dispose of used syringes and lancets

Medication storage backup

New Ozempic pens require refrigeration. That may not be possible in a power outage.

“In case of a power outage, plan to store your medication in an icebox if you have one,” Varughese said. “If not, consider adding an icebox to your diabetes emergency tool kit and make sure to have ice stored in your freezer for when a disaster strikes.”

Pro tip: Isabella said additional medication storage tips in emergency situations and power outages include the following:

• Keep the medication in its original container.
• Minimize opening and closing the cooler.
• Monitor the temperature inside the cooler.

Blood sugar monitoring

Continuing to monitor your blood sugar — especially with food and stress level changes — can help you keep an eye on your condition.

“It’s also very important to know your medication and how it impacts your body,” Varughese said. “Some medications will drop your sugars in preparation for a meal, which should then be avoided if you’re without food to prevent a hypoglycemic event.”

Pro tip: Isabella suggests having:

• a blood sugar meter
• extra batteries for extended use
• lancets and lancing devices for at least 1 to 2 weeks
• ketone strips

Medical information

Having important medical information can help you get the care you need if you have difficulty advocating for yourself. It can also assist you in getting prescriptions and other tools when you can do so on your own but are in an unfamiliar place that may not have your records.

Pro tip: Isabella recommends ensuring you have copies of important documents and paperwork, including:

• photo ID
• health insurance card
• copies of prescriptions
• medication list
• doctor’s contact information, including their name, address, and phone number
• a written diabetes management plan with information about your medications, dosages, and emergency contact information.
• a medical ID bracelet or necklace to alert others to your condition in an emergency

Food and water

Food is a critical part of a diabetes management plan, but it may be hard to come by in an emergency.

“It’s recommended to pack a 2-day supply of nonperishable food, particularly those that will help balance your blood sugar, and at least a 3-day supply of bottled water,” Varughese said.

Pro tip: Your food will depend on what works for your body, but Splenser suggests items such as:

• canned beans, veggies, and tuna
• peanut butter
• nuts

“Non-sugary electrolyte packets or drinks, like Powerade Zero or sugar-free Gatorade, are also OK,” Splenser said. “I would recommend avoiding processed foods like chips, dehydrated noodles, cereals, and even oatmeal — unfortunately — since these may spike blood sugars.”

Shelter

In some cases, evacuating your home may be necessary for your safety. But how can you also ensure you’re safely managing your diabetes when you’re away from your home and without access to a personal fridge or cooler?

“Some communities have designated shelters for individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions,” Isabella said.

However, it can be difficult to predict what will be open and what resources a place will have. Isabella says you can determine what’s available by:

• contacting local authorities to see what accommodations are available for people with diabetes at shelters
• using websites like the American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency to find information on accessible shelters
• advocating for yourself by letting them know about your condition

“Be assertive and persistent in requesting the necessary accommodations,” Isabella said.

If you usually get dialysis treatment, Varughese says you should be able to use a different, unaffected center, as professionals are trained to act in an emergency.

Mental health matters, too

It’s understandable to go into survival mode in times of crisis. However, the stress can take a mental and physical toll. Thinking about yourself shouldn’t feel like a selfish luxury, even during a natural disaster.

“Most people experience extreme emotional distress during disasters,” Varughese said. “Those with diabetes are more at risk of experiencing heart attacks, so focusing on your mental health during a stressful situation is very important. Both low blood sugar and very high blood sugar can cause cloudiness of thought. Being aware of how your body is feeling and acting based on what it needs will help you maintain a level of mental clarity.”

Pro tip: Isabella recommends:

• acknowledging your feelings
• maintaining a routine
• staying connected with family and friends
• practicing self-care, whatever that looks like to you
• getting professional help if needed

Takeaway

Natural disasters can present extra considerations for diabetes management. Power outages can affect a refrigerator, affecting your diet and medication storage. An emergency tool kit, including 2 weeks’ worth of food and nonperishable foods like canned fish and vegetables, can help.

Ensure documents like prescriptions and other important information, like your doctor’s name, are also available. You may be able to receive accommodations at a shelter, depending on resources.

Advocate for yourself and your needs — physically and mentally. These times can be challenging. Leaning on your network and reaching out for assistance from your care teams can help you find the support you deserve.