Be a Beacon in Your Community during Disaster with Tips for Diabetics
Your medical practice might not be in the center of a high risk or disaster-prone area, but you never know when the unpredictable might happen. With more than 20 million people in the US diagnosed with diabetes, your medical practice is certain to have your share of diabetics. Learn and share the following with your diabetics and build loyalty that translates into increased revenue in your medical practice.
When Disaster Struck
When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, it caught many diabetics and clinics serving diabetics off guard when it came to disaster-preparedness—specifically when it came to addressing needs of insulin-dependent patients.
Share Disaster Preparedness Tips with Insulin-Dependent Patients
We recommend that individuals with diabetes or any other chronic illness should follow the guidelines below, no matter where you live:
- Medicine and supplies should be stored in a defined location where it can be easily gathered if you must quickly evacuate home or work.
- Store cool packs in your freezer to keep medicine cool.
- Compile an easy-to-reach kit including :
- Medical supplies: syringes, cotton balls, tissues, swabs, blood glucose testing strips, blood glucose meter, lancing device and lancets, urine ketone testing strips, items for your therapy and blood sugar monitoring
- An empty hard plastic bottle to dispose of syringes and lancets
- Cooler for insulin
- Pen and notebook
- Glasses
- Copies of prescriptions, insurance cards, medical information and contact list, including caregiver’s and physicians’ names and phone numbers
- Physician’s orders for your child’s care on file at school and in your disaster kit
- Glucagon emergency kit and fast-acting carbohydrate (glucose tablets, orange juice)
- Nonperishable food such as granola bars and water
- First-aid kit, flashlight, whistle, matches, candles, radio with batteries, work gloves
- Supplies for at least a week
- Something containing sugar in case you develop low blood sugar.
- If disaster strikes, remember to:
- Maintain meal plan and stay hydrated.
- Monitor blood sugar and record numbers.
- Wear shoes and examine feet often. If a foot wound develops, seek medical attention immediately.
- If relocated, call your doctors as soon as possible to maintain the continuity of your medical care.
- Parents of children with diabetes should identify which school staff members will assist children in an emergency.
- If you are displaced, identify yourself immediately as a person with diabetes so authorities can provide medical care.
While no one can fully anticipate a natural disaster, being prepared can make a huge difference in an emergency. Let UPS Healthcare help you build revenue and client loyalty by educating your diabetic patients.