Diabetes: Caring for Your Diabetes at Special Time (cont.)
When There's an Emergency or Natural Disaster
Everyone with diabetes should be prepared for emergencies and natural
disasters, such as power outages or hurricanes. Always have your
disaster kit
ready. Include everything you need to take care of your diabetes, such as
- a blood glucose meter, lancets, and testing strips
- your diabetes medicines
- a list of your prescription numbers
- if you take insulin—some insulin, syringes, and an insulated bag to keep
insulin cool
- if you take insulin or if recommended by your doctor—a
glucagon kit
- glucose tablets and other foods or drinks to treat low blood glucose
- antibiotic cream or ointment
- a copy of your medical information, including a list
of your conditions, medicines, and recent lab test results
- phone numbers for the American Red Cross and other disaster relief
organizations
You also might want to include some nonperishable food, such as canned or
dried food, along with bottled water.
Check and update your kit at least twice a year.
When You're Planning a Pregnancy
Keeping your blood glucose near normal before and during
pregnancy helps
protect both you and your baby. Even before you become pregnant, your blood
glucose should be close to the normal range.
Your health care team can work with you to get your blood glucose under
control before you try to get pregnant. If you're already pregnant, see your
doctor right away. It's not too late to bring your blood glucose close to normal
so that you'll stay healthy during the rest of your pregnancy.
Your insulin needs may change when you're pregnant. Your doctor may want you
to take more insulin and check your blood glucose more often. If you take
diabetes pills, you'll take insulin instead when you're pregnant.
If you plan to have a baby,
- work with your health care team to get your blood glucose as close to the
normal range as possible before you get pregnant
- see a doctor who has experience in taking care of pregnant women with
diabetes
- don't smoke, drink alcohol, or use harmful drugs
- follow the meal plan you get from your dietitian or diabetes educator to
make sure you and your unborn baby have a healthy diet
Be sure to have your eyes, heart and blood vessels,
blood pressure, and kidneys checked. Your doctor should also check for nerve
damage. Pregnancy can
make some health problems worse.
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