Diabetes Disaster Preparedness Plan

Note: Beyond Type 1 is proud to be a part of the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition, alongside American Diabetes Association, Insulin for Life USA, JDRF, the American Association for clinical endocrinologists, the American Association for Diabetes Educators, Endocrine Society, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Lilly, Insulet and T1D Exchange, among others. This content is from the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition. 

This article was last updated Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

Do you or your loved one have diabetes and use insulin?

Make a plan to stay healthy during natural disasters or emergencies. Managing diabetes can be even harder when you are dealing with a major storm, loss of electricity, wildfire and possible evacuation from your home. Building a “diabetes kit” now can save a lot of worry and time when a disaster strikes. A checklist template is included for your use.

Your diabetes kit can be stored in an easy-to-carry waterproof bag or container to hold the documents, information and supplies that you will want to have with you.

Important information to keep in your kit:

• Type of diabetes you have, medical conditions, allergies and previous surgeries
• Current medications, doses and time you take them. Include your pharmacy name, address and phone number
• Previous diabetes medications you have taken
• Letter from your diabetes care team with a list of your most recent diabetes medications, if possible
• A copy of your most recent laboratory result, like A1C results
• Make, model, and the serial number of your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Include the pump manufacturer’s phone number in case you need to replace your device.
• Doctor’s name, phone number and address
• Phone numbers and email addresses for your family, friends and work (include out-of-town contacts)
• A copy of your health insurance card
• A copy of your photo ID
• Cash

Diabetes supplies

• Additional week supply (or more) of all medications, including insulin and Glucagon, if prescribed. If you lose power and you have unused insulin, don’t throw it out!
• In an emergency, it is okay to use expired or non-refrigerated insulin
• Protect your insulin pump from water.
• Supplies to check your blood sugar, like testing strips and lancets. Don’t forget extra batteries!
• Extra supplies for insulin pump or CGM
• Cooler and reusable cold packs. Note: Do NOT use dry ice and do not freeze the medication.
• Empty plastic bottle or sharps container to safely carry syringes, needles and lancets
• Items to treat high blood sugar such as pump supplies (infusion sets) and/or syringes
• Items to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), like:
  • Juice
  • Regular soda
  • Honey
  • Glucose tablets
  • Glucagon:
  • Nasal glucagon – Baqsimi®: This is an emergency glucagon that’s administered through your nose.
  • Glucagon pen – Gvoke HypoPen®: This is a premixed glucagon injection that you press against your thigh. The auto-inject device makes it quick and easy to use. It is also available in a prefilled syringe (PFS).
  • Glucagon vial & syringe – Gvoke Kit®: This is a premixed glucagon in a vial that comes with a syringe, allowing you to draw up the dose manually and inject it directly into your thigh.
  • Glucagon pen – Zegalogue®: Also a premixed glucagon, available as an easy-to-use auto-inject device. It is also available in a prefilled syringe (PFS).
  • Learn about copay cards and patient assistance programs to get glucagon.

A note on stocking up on prescriptions before or during an emergency situation: 

• Contact your physician and make sure all your prescriptions are current and have a maximal number of refills available. Consider backup medications, like having long-acting insulin on hand if you are a pump user.
• Call your insurance company and find out if you can enroll to receive 90-day prescription refills via mail-order shipments.
• If a state of emergency has been declared, you may be able to refill a prescription even it is before the typical 30-day time window. If your state is currently experiencing an emergency, call your pharmacy to find out if your state and/or health insurance company has waived refill restrictions.

Other supplies to pack

• In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s highly recommended to have on hand face masks, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer
• If you have been vaccinated, don’t forget to include your vaccination card; if you have not been vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to do it as soon as possible.
• Two-day supply of non-perishable ready-to-go food, like pre-packaged tuna, beans, cheese and cracker snacks, etc.
• Nuts or nut butter
• High-fiber/protein granola bars
• Dried fruits
• Anything according to dietary restrictions
• A three-day supply of bottled water (or more)
• Pen/pencil and notepad to record blood sugar, other test results and any new signs/symptoms
• First aid supplies like bandages, cotton swabs and antibiotic ointments or creams
• Extra clothing, including socks and undergarments
• Cell phone and charging supplies for phone and pump including battery pack
• Flashlight and batteries

Other recommendations

• Make sure that all your vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Choose a meeting place with your family in case you are separated. Write down the location and include it in your kit.
• Wear a medical ID or medical alert bracelet or other forms of identification in case you are evacuated to a relief shelter.
• For children, write down the name of the school, address and phone number.

Download the checklist (page 1, 2)

Downloadable checklists

WRITTEN BY BT1 Editorial Team, POSTED 08/24/18, UPDATED 04/13/23

This piece was authored collaboratively by the Beyond Type 1 Editorial Team.