Diabetes Preparedness
Emergency Kits
Prepare two emergency kits: one for school/work and one that is kept with you (but don’t leave it in the car). 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 one time in a 24-hour period, call for medical advice.
- Never stop taking insulin.
- Always presume illness is diabetes-related until proven otherwise.
- Check blood glucose every one to two hours when sick.
- Check ketones with any illness, and call if ketones are moderate to large.
- Prevent hospitalization and ER visits by calling for advice early.
- Fluids are important when ill, food is not.
- Vomiting is serious -- if vomiting occurs more than one time, call for advice.
- If vomiting occurs, measure 4 oz. of fluid and give by teaspoon, a little at a time.
- Give sugar-free fluids if blood glucose is greater than 200, and sugar containing fluids if blood glucose is less than 200.
- 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, and bring any school 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, questions or want to get help in dealing with your child’s school, contact:
Lisa Murdock at American Diabetes Association
Phone: 800-676-4065, Ext. 7415
Email: lmurdock@diabetes.org
FAQ
Download the Diabetes Hotline Top 10 FAQ here.