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A Plan for When Things Go Wrong

Taking care of diabetes at home can become so routine that you almost don't have to think about it. And if a problem does occur, you have easy access to a solution through your diabetes network. However, should you break or lose diabetes supplies while traveling for business or pleasure, it can turn your whole trip upside down. That's why it's important to have a plan for what to do if the unexpected occurs and have a backup kit ready with the major necessities.

Panic can make an unexpected situation difficult to handle, so keep this plan in your kit to help you safely deal with emergencies in minutes.

• As soon as you encounter a problem, check your blood glucose and pulse to make sure you're OK. If your readings are too high or low, treat yourself and recheck, or call 911 or another emergency service.
• Look through your back-up kit to see if you have supplies to correct your problem.
• If your equipment is malfunctioning, broken, lost, or stolen, call the supplier to see if it can be fixed or replaced quickly. Blood glucose meter manufacturers place their toll-free number on the back of the meter. If you use a medical supply delivery company, keep their contact information with you as well.
• Call your doctor for advice and prescriptions.
• Call your health-insurance company to make sure you have coverage.
• Call a nearby pharmacy to get any needed supplies. If you can't pick them up yourself and the pharmacy doesn't deliver, then have someone else drive to pick up the supplies.
• Stay by the phone. If you're alone, have someone call you periodically or promise to call someone at certain intervals.