Diabetes First Aid Essentials

When you have developed a condition like diabetes, a trip away from your home will surely mean packing in a few extra items, which are the essentials that you use to take care of your health. And if a disaster such as a fire or a storm erupts, or if you have a power failure, the need to leave your home right away may arise. Gather a few essential things ahead of time and successfully store them in an easy-to-fetch go-bag, so that you are ready to head out at immediate notice.

Let’s look at some of the essentials that must be included in a diabetes first aid kit.

Extra Doses Of Medication

Keep aside seven days’ supply of medications that you take daily. If you have developed type 2 diabetes, the medications may involve pills that help your body utilise insulin efficiently. Individuals with type 1 diabetes as well as some with type 2 diabetes will need to pack an extra supply of insulin along with insulin pens and syringes. You need to closely check your kit at regular intervals to ensure nothing has expired.

Store It In A Cool Bag

An insulated bag and a cold pack are an excellent idea for those who use medicines that are generally stored in the refrigerator. These may include insulin, exenatide, and pramlintide.

Must-Have Essentials

As part of the diabetes first aid, blood sugar monitoring is something that you just cannot ignore. Hence, include the following in the kit:

• Glucometer with additional batteries
• Lancets
• Test strips
• Empty plastic bottle or sharp container for storing lancets (as well as syringes and needles)
• If your doctor has instructed you to check for the presence of ketones in the blood, you must carry ketone test strips, too.

If You Use An Insulin Pump

If you have developed type 1 diabetes and use an insulin pump, you need to also the following:

• Additional reservoirs and infusion sets
• Additional batteries
• Syringes and vials of insulin (if the insulin pump fails to work)

Note It Down

When it comes to first aid of diabetes, your supply kit must have vital information about your condition as well as treatment. Make an information sheet that includes the following:

• Your diagnoses (type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or any other health conditions)
• A list of all the medications prescribed, along with details regarding the dosage and timing
• Contact numbers of your primary care doctor, endocrinologist, as well as pharmacist
• Contact information of family as well as close friends

In Case Your Blood Glucose Drops Drastically

If the blood glucose level drops too low, you will need to act promptly. Keep some snacks handy that can eventually help you in getting out of the danger zone.

Water and Food

It is vital to stay well-hydrated, especially if your blood glucose levels tend to get too high. Keed aside sufficient bottled water to last you a couple of days. 

You must also pack a minimum of two days’ quota of food that will not spoil. Some good picks include peanut butter, granola bars, meal-replacement shakes, and cheese crackers. Canned food is also a smart option, but do not forget to include the non-electric can opener.

To prevent an episode of hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar, you may pack some small boxes of raisins or glucose gel and tablets.

First-Aid Essentials

You may purchase a premade kit or come up with your own version. Some key items to include are antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages, hydrocortisone cream, scissors, gloves, tweezers, cloth tape, gauze, thermometer, a blanket, a glucagon pen, and medicines for fever and pain.

Power On

One cannot be 100% certain about supply of electricity. Hence, it is always helpful to have a:

• Flashlight with a few extra batteries

• Radio (solar- or battery-powered)

• Additional charger for your mobile phone

On A Final Note

Disaster does not come calling. Hence, there is a need to prepare for them well in advance, especially if you have diabetes because it is a serious health complication. Besides a first aid kit that contains all your medications and tools, you need to set aside food and water for emergencies and natural disasters. Needless to say, insulin and insulin pumps are some of the essentials that you must include in your DIY diabetes first aid kit. Lastly, you need to store some glucose tablets, gels, or may be even a box of raisins to prevent any onset of hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar levels.

References:

• https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-diabetes-supply-kit-exp