ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas summers, with their 100-plus degree days, humidity and stormy weather, create conditions that can complicate diabetes management, such as power outages.

Patients with diabetes are vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, said Bea Pandit, M.S.N., R.N., CDCES, a member of Texas Health’s virtual inpatient diabetes care and education team. “Diabetes is already a 24/7 responsibility that requires consistent management.”

Pandit suggests being ready for whatever weather-related emergencies can arise.

“Having an emergency preparedness kit ensures that a person with diabetes can maintain their blood sugar and prevent complications,” Pandit said, adding that kits should include access to insulin, glucose monitoring tools and appropriate food and drink. “Being prepared for an emergency situation is a must.”

Life-threatening conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), severe hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can result when blood sugar levels become unstable, Pandit said. DKA develops when the body can’t produce enough insulin and can lead to diabetic coma or death, according to the American Diabetes Association.

To avoid these risks, Carole Covey, B.S.N., R.N., NRP, CEN, CFRN, FP-C, a nursing supervisor at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas’ Emergency Department, stresses the importance of planning before severe weather strikes.

“During any emergency situation, supplies are limited and sometimes nonexistent,” Covey said. “It is important to have an emergency kit with supplies to last one to two weeks.”

What to include in a summer emergency preparedness kit

• One-week supply of all prescribed medications, including insulin and glucagon
• Glucometer, diabetic test strips and lancets, along with extra batteries for the glucometer and ketone test strips
• Extra supplies for your insulin pump or CGM (if using)
• Cooler and instant cold packs to keep insulin from overheating.
• Empty plastic bottles or containers to carry syringes or needles
• Fast-acting glucose – glucose tablets, gel, juice boxes, hard candies
• Long-acting carbohydrates such as granola bars and crackers
• Snacks and nonperishable food
• Medical ID card or bracelet
• First-aid supplies such as bandages, cotton swabs and antibiotic ointments or creams
• Cellphone and charging supplies for your phone and insulin pump, including a battery pack
• Extra water to prevent dehydration
• Electrolyte tablets or drinks for hydration and balance in hot weather
• Insulated bag for carrying your supplies in the heat

Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, American Diabetes Association

Resources:

Information about Texas Health medical resources is available online.

For medical needs that require quick treatment but are not life-threatening, patients can seek high-quality care at Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care centers across North Texas. Texas Health operates 31 locations that offer care 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information about Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care is available online.

Find a Texas Health Physicians Group provider at TexasHealth.org/FindAPhysician.