Mission Statement

This is from our August 2008 Article
 

Planning For Your Diabetes Care During A Disaster!

Being prepared for emergencies during unexpected events like a hurricane, flood or a tornado is important for a person with diabetes. In addition to keeping your family and property safe, you also need to think about how to manage your diabetes. The key is to be prepared and plan ahead of time. Build an emergency kit and a response plan for you and your family. Here are some important supplies to include in your kit.

Food and Water

Store one gallon of water per person per day (date the bottles and replace every 6 months).

Keep non-perishable food items on hand, such as canned foods (like: fruits, vegetables, juice, diet sodas, tuna, meats, beans), powdered milk, a large box of crackers, peanut butter & nuts.

Don’t forget to stock disposable cups, eating utensils and a manual can opener.

Medications and Equipment

Pack at least a 7 day supply of your prescription and over the counter medications. Remember insulin can be stored at room temperature for 28 days.

Add supplies for injections and/or insulin pumps (if needed), blood glucose testing, glucose tablets, a glucagon kit, a hard plastic container (for used needles and lancets), hand sanitizer & alcohol wipes.

Basic Supplies

Include flashlights and batteries, first aid kit, portable radio (batteries), cell phone, blankets, extra clothing, sturdy shoes, extra socks & trash bags.

Find a special and waterproof container to keep copies of insurance cards, extra prescriptions, a list of all your medications, family and doctor’s phone numbers, homeowner’s insurance information and other valuable information.

Additional Tips

Maintain your meal plan and eat as healthy as possible.

Drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day.

Follow your testing and medication schedule.

Protect and check your feet daily.

Check with your County Department of Emergency Services for additional family preparedness information.

Source: American Diabetes Association: The Disaster Preparedness Guide 2006

BE SURE TO ALSO CHECK OUT OUR OWN:

"Disaster Do's: A Diabetes Care Plan- Be Prepared! "

By Clicking Here

Summer Fun and Diabetes

Take the Summer Diabetes Survival Quiz & see if you are ready to focus on the sun and fun of the summer.

1. For people with diabetes, flip flops are preferable to going barefoot.
TRUE FALSE

2. Sunscreen isn’t necessary when going for rides in the car.
TRUE FALSE

3. You should shield your glucose meter from the sun when testing your blood sugar.
TRUE FALSE

4. Sunburn can affect your blood sugar levels.
TRUE FALSE

5. When it comes to medications, room temperature is always fine.
TRUE FALSE

6. In hot weather (900 or above) food should never sit out for more than 1 hour.
TRUE FALSE

7. Swimming or playing in the hot summer sun can mask the symptoms of a high or low blood sugar.
TRUE FALSE

8. Insulin must be refrigerated at all times.
TRUE FALSE
ANSWERS

1. FALSE- People with diabetes should not go barefoot or wear flip flops. Both leave your feet vulnerable to blisters or sores which can become infected. Flip flops can also cause slipping and injury.
2. FALSE- Even in your car the sun can reach you through a window or sunroof and you can get sunburned. SO put on that sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
3. TRUE- If the test strips are exposed to direct sunlight and heat it can cause inaccurate blood glucose readings and results. If your symptoms are not matching your blood sugar results, contact your health care provider.
4. TRUE- A sunburn can cause blood sugar to skyrocket! It can also help cause dehydration. Take precautions in the sun- protect your skin and your diabetes.
5. FALSE- When the summer season arrives, room temperature may no longer be the 720 you expect. Make sure your medications are stored away from excessive heat and the cold blast of the air conditioner. Check the labels or ask your pharmacist for the best way to store medications.
6. TRUE- In temperatures under 900, the general rule is foods should not sit out for more than 2 hours. On hot days in the summer, plan ahead when you grocery shop. Bring a cooler along with ice packs so you can put the perishables in it for the ride home.
7. TRUE- All that summer fun may mask your symptoms of low or high blood glucose. You can be sweating while in the water and not know it, which can be a sign of low blood glucose, or if you are out in the sun and are thirsty it could be from the sun and heat or a low blood glucose. Test often to be sure you are summer safe all the time.
8. FALSE- Opened bottles of insulin can remain at room temperature for approximately 28 days. Unopened bottles can last up to 12 months. Take care to make sure your insulin is protected from extreme heat or cold at all times!

So kick back- take a swim- go on vacation- relax in the summer warmth- focus on fun and be smart when it comes to your diabetes care.

Enjoy these summer recipes- anytime! The No-Oven meal and No-Bake dessert won’t heat up your kitchen!

Sweet Italian Marinated Vegetable Salad

5 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
½ can (14 ounces) quartered artichoke hearts, drained
2 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼ inch cubes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
2 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon dried pepper flakes

Stir together all ingredients in medium bowl. For pronounced flavor, serve immediately, or chill 1 hour for more blended flavors.

Nutrition Information:
Serving size ¾ cup
Calories: 97
Total Fat: 6 grams
Saturated fat: 1 gram
Protein: 4 grams
Carbohydrate: 9 grams
Cholesterol: 9 mg.


(Can add cubes of boneless skinless chicken, tuna, or shrimp to make a complete meal)
(Can substitute part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce fat content)

 

No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
1 cup butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups uncooked quick oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup crunchy or creamy peanut butter

1. Grease 9-inch square baking pan. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and vanilla; mix well.
2. Stir in oats. Cook over low heat 2-3 minutes or until ingredients are well blended. Press half of mixture into prepared pan. Use back of spoon to spread mixture evenly.
3. Melt chocolate chips in small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in peanut butter. Pour chocolate mixture over oat mixture in pan; spread evenly with knife or back of spoon. Crumble remaining oat mixture over chocolate layer; press down evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate 2-3 hours or overnight. Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars.
5.
Makes 32 bar

Nutrition Information
1 bar per serving

Calories: 142
Total Fat: 10 grams
Saturated Fat: 5 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Carbohydrate: 13 grams
Cholesterol: 15 mg.
Dietary fiber: 1 grams