Creating a Diabetes Emergency Action Plan

Why Every Diabetic Needs an Emergency Action Plan

Natural disasters, power outages, unexpected hospitalizations — emergencies don't wait for a convenient moment. For people living with diabetes, these situations carry unique and potentially life-threatening risks. Insulin requires refrigeration. CGM sensors have finite supplies. Test strips run out. Without a deliberate, written emergency action plan, a manageable condition can quickly become a crisis.

This guide walks you through every component of a solid diabetes emergency action plan — from supply stockpiling to communication strategies — so you can face the unexpected with confidence.

Step 1: Build a 7-Day Emergency Supply Kit

Your first priority is assembling a kit that keeps you covered for at least one week without access to a pharmacy. Store it in a clearly labeled, waterproof bag or container. Your kit should include:

• Insulin and syringes or pens — Keep a backup supply rotated regularly so nothing expires unused
• Blood glucose meter and extra test strips — Always have a traditional meter as a backup even if you use a CGM
• Lancets and lancing device
• Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) sensors and transmitter — Store extras away from heat and direct sunlight
• Fast-acting glucose sources — Glucose tablets, juice boxes, or gel packs for treating hypoglycemia
• Ketone testing strips — Critical for Type 1 diabetics during illness or stress
• Glucagon emergency kit or nasal glucagon
• Sharps disposal container
• Alcohol swabs and adhesive tape
• Copies of prescriptions and insurance cards

MDS Diabetes (mdsdiabetes.com) offers a wide selection of testing supplies, CGM accessories, and diabetic care essentials — making it easy to stock your emergency kit without multiple trips to different pharmacies.

Step 2: Plan for Insulin Storage During Power Outages

Insulin loses potency when exposed to extreme heat or freezing temperatures. During a power outage, follow these guidelines:

• Unopened insulin can remain at room temperature (59–77°F) for up to 28 days for most formulations — check your specific brand
• Use an insulated cooler with ice packs, not direct ice contact, to keep insulin cool
• Never freeze insulin — freezing destroys its effectiveness
• FRIO cooling wallets are an excellent non-electric option for travel and emergencies

Step 3: Document Your Medical Information

Create a one-page medical summary that includes your diagnosis type, current medications and dosages, your target blood glucose ranges, your physician's name and emergency contact number, your pharmacy's phone number, and known allergies. Store a physical copy in your emergency kit and a digital copy in your phone's notes or a secure cloud folder. Share it with a trusted family member or friend.

Step 4: Establish a Support Network

Identify at least two people — a neighbor, family member, or coworker — who understand your diabetes management basics. Teach them how to recognize signs of severe hypoglycemia and how to administer glucagon if needed. Register with your local emergency management office if you have a disability or medical condition that may require assistance during evacuations.

Step 5: Review and Refresh Your Plan Regularly

An emergency plan is only effective if it's current. Schedule a quarterly review to rotate supplies before expiration, update your medical information if medications have changed, and replace any used or expired items. Ordering replacement supplies through mdsdiabetes.com is a convenient way to keep your kit consistently stocked without last-minute scrambles.

Special Considerations for Children and Elderly Diabetics

Parents of children with diabetes should share the emergency plan with school staff and ensure the child wears a medical ID bracelet. Elderly diabetics should coordinate with caregivers and consider a medical alert system that can notify emergency contacts during a crisis.