Hurricane Preparedness for Diabetics: 2-Week Supply Checklist

Why Diabetics Need a Special Hurricane Plan

When a hurricane strikes, it can disrupt power, water, pharmacies, and medical care for days or even weeks. For people living with diabetes, this disruption can be life-threatening. Insulin requires refrigeration, glucose meters need batteries, and consistent medication schedules are essential for blood sugar control. Planning ahead is not optional — it's a medical necessity.

The 2-Week Diabetes Emergency Supply Checklist

💊 Medications

• At least a 2-week supply of all diabetes medications (insulin, metformin, etc.)
• Extra insulin pens or vials stored in a cooler with ice packs
• Glucagon emergency kit
• All other prescription medications (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)
• Over-the-counter supplies: antacids, pain relievers, antibiotic ointment

🩺 Monitoring Supplies

• Blood glucose meter with extra batteries
• At least 200 test strips (sealed and unexpired)
• Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) sensors and transmitter if applicable
• Lancets and lancing device
• Insulin pump supplies: extra infusion sets, reservoirs, and batteries or charger
• Ketone test strips

🧃 Food and Nutrition

• Non-perishable, low-glycemic foods: nuts, seeds, canned beans, tuna, and sardines
• Peanut butter and whole grain crackers
• Fast-acting glucose sources: glucose tablets, juice boxes, regular soda
• Meal replacement bars with balanced macronutrients
• At least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 2 weeks
• Manual can opener

🧊 Insulin Storage Solutions

Insulin that is exposed to extreme heat can lose its effectiveness within hours. To protect your insulin during a power outage:

• Use an insulated diabetes travel case or FRIO cooling wallet (requires only water, no electricity)
• Stock up on reusable ice packs and a quality cooler
• Know that most unopened insulin can be stored at room temperature (59–77°F) for up to 28 days
• Never freeze insulin — freezing destroys it

📋 Important Documents

• Printed list of all medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors
• Copies of insurance cards and photo ID
• Emergency contact list including your endocrinologist
• Medical alert ID bracelet or card
• List of nearest hospitals and emergency shelters that accommodate medical needs

🔋 Power and Technology

• Portable power bank for smartphones and CGM devices
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Car charger adapters for medical devices

Before the Storm: Action Steps

1. Talk to your doctor now. Ask for emergency prescription refills and a written care plan for disaster scenarios.
2. Register with local emergency services. Many counties maintain registries for residents with medical needs to prioritize assistance.
3. Identify a medical-needs shelter. Standard shelters may not have refrigeration. Find one equipped for people with medical conditions.
4. Organize your kit in a waterproof bag. Label it clearly and store it in an easy-to-grab location.
5. Check expiration dates monthly. Rotate supplies regularly so nothing expires before you need it.

Managing Blood Sugar During a Hurricane

Stress, irregular meals, disrupted sleep, and physical exertion from storm cleanup can all cause blood sugar to spike or drop unpredictably. Check your glucose more frequently than usual — at minimum every 4 hours. Stay as close to your normal eating schedule as possible, even if food options are limited. Hydration is critical, as dehydration worsens hyperglycemia.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Go to an emergency room or call 911 if you experience: blood sugar above 400 mg/dL, signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting, fruity breath), severe hypoglycemia that doesn't respond to treatment, or any injury that won't heal.

Final Thoughts

Preparing a 2-week hurricane supply kit may feel overwhelming, but building it gradually over several weeks makes the task manageable. Your health depends on having the right supplies at the right time. Start today — hurricanes don't wait.