Adapting Prepping for Life with Type 1 Diabetes: A Mother’s Story
Introduction
When it comes to prepping, there are various factors to consider. From food storage to emergency plans, being prepared for any situation is crucial. But what if you or someone in your family has a medical condition that requires constant management? In this blog post, we will explore the experience of a mother adapting prepping for life with Type 1 Diabetes. Her story will shed light on the challenges she faced and the adjustments she made to ensure her family’s well-being in emergency situations.
A Mother’s Experience
Mary Adams is a mother of two and a passionate prepper. When her youngest child, Sarah, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, Mary realized the importance of adapting her prepping strategies to accommodate her daughter’s medical needs.
One of the initial challenges Mary faced was managing her daughter’s insulin supply. Insulin is a life-sustaining medication for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes, and ensuring an uninterrupted supply was crucial. Mary learned the importance of rotating her daughter’s insulin stockpile regularly. She also discovered the value of keeping a spare insulin pen in their emergency kit, along with the necessary supplies such as syringes or insulin cartridges.
Insulin Storage Tips:
- Rotate your insulin stockpile regularly to ensure it doesn’t expire.
- Keep a spare insulin pen or vials in your emergency kit.
- Include necessary supplies, such as syringes or insulin cartridges, in your emergency kit.
- Consider purchasing a portable insulin cooler to keep insulin at the right temperature during emergencies.
Meal Planning
Managing blood sugar levels is essential for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. And during emergencies, when access to fresh food may be limited, meal planning becomes even more crucial. Mary realized the importance of including long-lasting, low-sugar foods in their emergency food supply.
Here are some examples of suitable emergency food options for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes:
- Dried fruit and nuts: These provide an excellent source of energy without causing a significant blood sugar spike.
- Jerky or beef sticks: These protein-rich snacks can help balance blood sugar levels.
- Powdered protein shakes: These can be mixed with water and provide a quick source of nutrition without impacting blood sugar.
- Low-sugar granola bars: Look for options with minimal added sugars and high fiber content.
- Canned meats and fish: These are excellent sources of protein and can be stored for an extended period.
Emergency Medical Information
In emergency situations, it is essential to have access to accurate and up-to-date medical information. Mary realized that having her daughter’s medical records and emergency contact information readily available was crucial. She created a medical information binder containing all the necessary documents and placed it in their emergency kit.
Emergency Medical Information Binder:
- Include relevant medical records, such as recent blood tests and prescriptions.
- Write down emergency contact information for healthcare providers, including phone numbers and addresses.
- Include a list of allergies and any other pertinent medical information.
- Consider including a recent photograph of the individual with Type 1 Diabetes in case of separation.
Adapting Emergency Plans
As a prepper, Mary already had detailed emergency plans in place for various situations. However, she realized the need to adapt these plans to accommodate her daughter’s medical condition. Mary identified two critical areas where modifications were necessary:
Power Outages:
In case of a power outage, Mary knew that Sarah’s insulin supply needed to be kept cool. She purchased a portable power generator to ensure that their refrigerator remained functional. Mary also invested in a portable cooler that could be powered by the generator, allowing them to store essential medications at the appropriate temperature.
Evacuation Plans:
When developing evacuation plans, Mary considered the importance of having extra supplies for her daughter’s medical needs. She packed double the amount of insulin, glucose tablets, and other necessary supplies in their go bags. Mary also contacted local emergency shelters to ensure they were aware of her daughter’s medical condition and could accommodate her needs if necessary.
My 2 Cents
Adapting prepping for life with Type 1 Diabetes requires careful planning and consideration. Here are a few additional tips:
- Communicate with your healthcare provider about your prepping plans and discuss any specific recommendations they may have.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR techniques to manage any emergency situations that may arise.
- Involve your child in the prepping process and educate them about their condition and the importance of being prepared.
- Regularly review and update your emergency plans and supplies to ensure they are current and meet the specific needs of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.
Remember, being prepared for emergencies is essential for everyone, but it becomes even more crucial when dealing with a medical condition like Type 1 Diabetes. By making the necessary adjustments and including these specific considerations in your prepping strategies, you can ensure the well-being of yourself and your loved ones, no matter the situation.
