Staying Safe During Power Outages When You Have Diabetes
Power outages can happen at any time during storms, extreme heat or cold, or even from accidents or construction. For people living with diabetes, losing power can be more than just an inconvenience. It can affect how you store your insulin, charge your diabetes devices, and keep your food safe. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared ahead of time.
Why Preparation Matters
If you take insulin or use devices like a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump, you need a plan in place to keep your supplies safe and working. Even short-term outages can cause problems if you aren’t ready. Preparing ahead of time helps you stay calm and focused, even in a stressful situation. Understand how to manually administer insulin if you rely on a pump, and how to use a backup glucometer if your CGM reader is unavailable.
Prepare Before the Power Goes Out
Well ahead of any imminent threat of a power outage, make an emergency kit that includes a flashlight and extra batteries, non-perishable food and bottled water, glucose tablets or juice boxes to treat lows, extra test strips, lancets, syringes, or insulin pens, and cold packs or an insulated bag for insulin storage. Make sure you have diabetes medications and prescriptions on hand, in case of delays or interruptions to refills. Make sure you have diabetes medications and prescriptions on hand, in case of delays or interruptions to refills.
Additionally, prepare backup power sources including battery packs or backup chargers for your devices. You’ll also want to know where power is likely to be available. Talk to neighbors that have generators and get a sense for where emergency relief shelters are.
Finally, keep a note in your wallet or purse that includes important contact information for your healthcare provider, your pharmacy and emergency contact numbers. Keep communication lines open. Let your family, neighbors, or a close friend know you have diabetes, so they can check in on you, in case the outage lasts a while.
Step-by-Step: What to Do During a Power Outage
When the power does go out, here’s what to do:
- Check your blood sugar often. Stress, heat, or lack of food can all cause changes, so monitor closely.
- Keep insulin cool. If the fridge is off, place insulin in an insulated bag with a cold pack—but don’t let it freeze. Freezing insulin will damage it and make it less effective. Avoid direct contact with ice packs and insulate the insulin by wrapping it in a cloth or using a small box. Consider alternative cooling methods like a battery-powered cooler or a medical-grade mini insulin fridge for extended outages. If the outage is expected to last for a prolonged period, a local pharmacy or clinic may be able to provide emergency insulin or diabetes supplies.
- Avoid eating unsafe food. Throw away food that’s been in a warm fridge for more than 4 hours. Stick to your emergency snacks.
- Charge devices if you can. Use a portable battery or go to a shelter, hospital, or friend’s house with power.
- Stay cool or warm. Dress for the weather and drink water regularly.
- Ask for help if needed. Don’t wait! Contact someone if your supplies run low or you feel unwell. If you’re having trouble managing your blood sugar levels or feel unwell due to the power outage, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. Know the signs of high or low blood sugar and what to do if you experience symptoms of both.
Keep Your Health Powered Up
Being ready for a power outage can make all the difference when you’re living with diabetes. A little preparation can keep your health – and peace of mind – in check when the lights go out. Stay safe, stay calm, and stay prepared!
Author: Connie Ely, Pharmacist | CCS Health
This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.
