diabetes 2

When Hurricane Katrina struck last August
people with diabetes faced particular challenges
especially those using insulin. More than 20 million people in America have diabetes
and many others suffer with other chronic health conditions.

During this year's hurricane and tornado season
Eli Lilly and Company
one of the world's leading manufacturers of insulin
suggests that individuals with diabetes or any other chronic illness should follow the guidelines below
no matter where you live:

• Medicine and supplies should be stored in a defined location to be easily gathered if you must quickly evacuate home or work.

• Keep cool packs in your freezer to keep medicine cool.

• Compile an easy-to-reach kit including:

• Medical supplies: syringes
cotton balls
tissues
swabs
blood glucose testing strips
blood glucose meter
lancing device and lancets
urine ketone testing strips
items for your therapy and blood sugar monitoring

• An empty hard plastic bottle to dispose of syringes and lancets

• Cooler for insulin

• Pen and notebook

• Glasses

• Copies of prescriptions
insurance cards
medical information and contact list
including caregiver's and physicians' names and phone numbers

• Physician's orders for your child's care on file at school and in your disaster kit

• Glucagon emergency kit and fast-acting carbohydrate (glucose tablets
orange juice)

• Nonperishable food such as granola bars and water

• First-aid kit
flashlight
whistle
matches
candles
radio with batteries
work gloves

• Supplies for at least a week

• Something containing sugar in case you develop low blood sugar.

"No one can fully anticipate a natural disaster
but with preparation
people with diabetes can manage their disease
said Dr. Sherry Martin, medical advisor, Eli Lilly and Company.
Taking the time to prepare could make a huge difference in an emergency."

If disaster strikes
remember to:

• Maintain meal plan
keep hydrated.

• Monitor blood sugar and record numbers.

• Wear shoes and examine feet often. If a foot wound develops
seek medical attention immediately.

• If relocated
call your doctors as soon as possible to maintain the continuity of your medical care.

• Parents of children with diabetes should identify which school staff members will assist children in an emergency.

• If you are displaced
identify yourself immediately as a person with diabetes so authorities can provide medical care.