Emergency Prep for Older Adults With Diabetes: Key Gaps

What Was Studied and Why It Matters

When a hurricane strikes, a power grid fails, or a pandemic spreads, most people scramble to prepare. But for older adults managing diabetes or other chronic conditions, emergencies carry an extra layer of danger — and an extra layer of complexity.

Researchers from a 2025 study published in the Journal of Emergency Management wanted to understand exactly how older adults and their caregivers experience and prepare for emergencies. They gathered 37 participants — a mix of older adults and informal caregivers living in a large metropolitan area — and asked them to share their real-world experiences through focus group discussions.

What the Researchers Found

The study identified several key barriers that prevent older adults with chronic conditions like diabetes from preparing effectively for emergencies:

• Knowledge gaps: Many participants simply didn't know what steps to take or what resources were available to them.
• Financial and physical limitations: Stockpiling medications, supplies, or food can be expensive and physically demanding — especially for those with limited mobility or fixed incomes.
• Distrust in authorities: Some participants expressed hesitancy to rely on government agencies or official guidance during crises.
• Digital divides: Emergency alerts and preparedness resources are increasingly delivered online, leaving those without reliable internet access or tech skills behind.
• Dismissive interactions: Several participants felt ignored or not taken seriously when trying to get help or information.
• Isolation: Older adults living alone — without a strong social support network — faced the greatest risk during emergencies.

What This Means for Diabetes Patients and Caregivers

For people managing diabetes, emergencies aren't just inconvenient — they can be life-threatening. Disrupted routines, stress, and lack of access to insulin, glucose monitors, or testing strips can send blood sugar levels dangerously out of control.

This research is a wake-up call to start preparing before a crisis hits. That means building a dedicated diabetes emergency kit that includes extra insulin or oral medications, a blood glucose meter and backup batteries, lancets, test strips, and fast-acting glucose sources like juice or glucose tablets.

Reliable suppliers like MDS Diabetes can help patients maintain an adequate stock of essential diabetes supplies — so that when an emergency strikes, you're not scrambling. Having a standing order or auto-ship arrangement for your testing supplies can be a simple but powerful part of your emergency plan.

Caregivers play an equally important role. If you support an older adult with diabetes, help them create a written emergency plan that includes medication schedules, supply locations, and emergency contacts — including their doctor and pharmacy.

Bottom Line

Older adults with diabetes are among the most vulnerable during emergencies, yet face the most barriers to preparation. The solution isn't one-size-fits-all — it requires addressing financial constraints, improving access to information, fighting social isolation, and building trust. Start your emergency plan today: know your supplies, know your contacts, and make sure you never run low on the essentials that keep you safe. Organizations like MDS Diabetes exist to make that part easier.