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Diabetes Preparedness

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Emergency Kits

  1. Prepare two emergency kits: one for school/work and one that is kept with you (but don’t leave it in the car)
  2. Include in each kit:
    • Insulin (one vial or pen of all types that you use) be sure to rotate the insulin before it expires. 
    • Syringes and/or pen needles
    • A paper with your insulin doses written down
    • A list of emergency contact numbers, include the Diabetes Hotline (323) 361-2311 and After Hours Emergencies (323) 361-2403
    • Meter and Strips
    • Lancing device (poker) and lancets
    • Glucagon emergency kit
    • Sugar source for treatment of lows
    • Some carbohydrate containing foods (granola bars, snack crackers, etc)

Pump Users:

In addition to the above, include in your kits

  • Extra batteries
  • Infusion sets
  • Reservoir/syringes
  • Ketone strips
  • Bottle of Lantus in case of pump failure

Store these items in an easy-to-identify container in a location that is easy to take with you if you need to leave your home in case of any emergency.

General Sick Day Guidelines

Vomiting may be a sign of impending or existing diabetic ketoacidosis. If your child vomits more than 1 time in a 24-hour period call for medical advice.

  1. Never stop taking insulin
  2. Always presume illness is diabetes related until proven otherwise
  3. Check blood glucose every 1 to 2 hours when sick
  4. Check ketones with any illness and call if ketones are moderate to large
  5. Prevent hospitalization and ER visits by calling for advice early
  6. Fluids are important when ill, food is not
  7. Vomiting is serious-if vomiting occurs more than one time, call for advice
  8. If vomiting occurs, measure 4 oz of fluid and give by teaspoon, a little at a time
  9. Give Sugar-Free fluids if blood glucose is greater than 200, and sugar containing fluids if blood glucose is less than 200
  10. Be prepared! Have a sick day supply kit at home

Make Sure Your Child is Safe at School

Be sure your school form is completed.  Bring any schools forms to your next appointment.

Set up meetings with school personnel to discuss your child’s diabetes plan.

You have rights under the Americans’ with Disabilities Act. Ask for a 504 plan; this guarantees that all issues are discussed, addressed, and resolved before school starts.

If you have problems, question or want to get help in dealing with your child’s school, contact:
Lisa Murdock at American Diabetes Association
800-676-4065 extension 7415 or via Email