When you think of an emergency kit, it's easy to first think about major disasters like hurricanes, storms, and earthquakes. But, when you have diabetes and neuropathy, it's important to prepare for both major disasters and everyday emergencies. Some everyday emergencies might include:

• Power Outages
• Car Breakdown
• Food Poisoning
• Flu or Cold
• Being stuck away from home or being unable to return home
• Being at an event or in the car away from foot
• Unexpected pain, discomfort, or injury
• Unexpected highs and lows

Just think of a situation where you may experience foot problems, unexpected highs or lows, or symptoms of diabetes and neuropathy. What are the items that you'd need to feel better? Having an everyday emergency kit can help you prepare ahead for life's unexpected moments.

Everyday Emergency Kit Checklist

You can keep the emergency kit in your home, office, or car. In fact, you might want a kit in more than one place. Here are some essential items we suggest to have in your kit:

1. List of Medical Information: Have a list of all your medications (dosages and schedule), allergies, and doctor information.
2. Snacks: This can be anything from candy to glucose tabs to complex carbs.
3. Glucagon Kit
4. Water: Extra water and electrolytes to stay hydrated.
5. Socks: An extra pair of socks in the event that they become wet or there's a problem with the socks themselves.
6. Medications: Extra medications that you're currently taking, or just over the counter medications you need regularly. Anything from anti-nausea to pain medications.
7. Hand Sanitizer
8. Diabetes-Related Supplies: Extra glucose meter, insulin, syringes, lancets, blood test strips, ketone strips.
9. General First Aid Items: Including everyday items like band-aids and Neosporin.
10. Spare Batteries: This could be for your glucose meter or an insulin pump.
11. Foot Care Items: Whether it's foot or heel balm, make sure you have items to protect and care for your feet. A blister prevention kit can come in handy if you are wearing new shoes or walking more than usual.

These are just some of the basic items that you may want to carry in a kit. For a full list of disaster-related supplies, check out our guide here.

Example Diabetes Emergency Kit

Jenn took pictures and shared her list of items in her emergency kit. Included in her kit:

• Extra insulin - in fridge until needed w/pen caps and syringes
• Glucose tabs
• Juice boxes
• Granola bars
• Peanut butter crackers
• Gummy candy (bears, worms, etc)
• Glucometer w/strips

A big thank you to Jenn for sharing her kit with us!

[comment]