To help make sure people with diabetes are ready for disasters, the Diabetes Center of Excellence of Cleveland Regional Medical Center is sponsoring Sherry Yocum, Preparedness Coordinator for Cleveland County Health Department, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cleveland Regional Education Auditorium.

As educators at the Diabetes Center of Excellence, we want to help people prepare for any emergencies, national disasters, or hazards,” said Anne Wray, RN, CDE. “During those events, people with diabetes face particular challenges to their health care. If you are an evacuee or are in an emergency situation, it is of prime importance to identify yourself as a person with diabetes and any related conditions, so you can obtain appropriate care.”

Wray said it’s also important to prevent dehydration by drinking enough fluids, which can be difficult when drinking water is in short supply. “It’s also helpful to keep something containing sugar with you at all times, in case you develop hypoglycemia, which is low blood glucose,” Wray said.

Since people with diabetes are more vulnerable to infections, Wray said they should pay close attention to the health of their feet, and get medical treatment for any wounds.
Here are some other tips regarding insulin, medications and equipment usage:

• Always carry your diabetes supplies with you when traveling.
• Try to keep your insulin as cool as possible, avoiding direct heat and direct sunlight as well as freezing if placed on ice.
• Discard medications if they come in contact with flood or contaminated water. In the case of urgently needed life-saving medications, if the container is contaminated but the contents appear unaffected (pills are dry), the pills may be used until a replacement can be obtained
• Keep a list of all medicines you take, especially if you are seeing a new physician.
• Always wear medical identification.
• If you use a blood glucose meter, check the meter and test strip package insert for information on use during unusual heat and humidity due to possible damage.
• You can contact the CDC at 1-800-232-4636 or visit the website: http://www.state.nj.us/heath/fhs/documents/diabetes_disaster_guidelines.pdf to obtain a helpful brochure.

For more information, attend the Diabetes Resource and Support Program on Sept. 8 or call the Cleveland Regional Medical Center’s Diabetes Center of Excellence at 980-487-3953.