Eli Lilly warns of diabetes risks in disasters

Eli Lilly has warned of the risks diabetics face in times of natural disaster.

The company has teamed up with the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) to offer advice on how to treat diabetes during a disaster situation, such as Hurricane Katrina.

The scarcity of food in these situations coupled with stress and strange eating patters can have a detrimental effect on the ability to manage diabetes, potentially causing long-term damage to a patient’s health.

Dr Carlos R Hamilton, a past president of the AACE, stated: “Patients with diabetes, especially those taking insulin injections, should make sure to have a reserve supply of medication and supplies for a period of several weeks in the event of a major disaster or evacuation.

“Experience with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 taught us that medical services, including pharmacies, may not be available and emergency care in shelters may lack the ability to give insulin injections.”

“These emergency supplies should include equipment for self-monitoring of blood glucose, including test strips and monitor batteries,” Dr Hamilton concluded.

Among the tips offered by Lilly and the AACE are placing medication in an easy-to-reach part of the home or workplace, as well as keeping a medical kit nearby.

When the tsunami of January 2005 struck South East Asia, many diabetics struggled to receive access to insulin. Diabetes UK, the charity, described the event’s impact on health as “catastrophic”.

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