Plan for chronic conditions: diabetes, dialysis and severe allergy
Some conditions cannot wait for a pharmacy or clinic to reopen. Make a written plan for each with the person's own clinician, before the move. This step gives no doses.
How
- Diabetes: CDC advises a kit lasting at least 1 to 2 weeks. It includes insulin and syringes, other medicines, a meter with spare batteries, lancets, pump supplies, glucagon, ketone strips and glucose tablets.
- Add an empty hard container for used needles and lancets, and check expiry dates every few months.
- If a different insulin is ever needed, FDA says to switch only under a doctor's care with close blood sugar checks. Agree the backup plan with the doctor now.
- Dialysis: CDC advises a 3-day emergency diet and at least 3 days of each medicine. Keep contacts for your own and another dialysis centre.
- Dialysis, home oxygen and some other treatments cannot be made self-sufficient for months. Your plan must say where the person goes and when (medical-33).
- Severe allergy: anyone prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors carries two at all times (MHRA, UK). Every adult and teen in the household learns how to use them and to call for help straight away.
- Keep auto-injectors in date. If you keep bees (animals module), tell the beekeeper's household about any known sting allergy.
- Write each plan on one page in the health file (medical-5), with warning signs and the relocation trigger.
Safety: This step is planning, not medical advice. It gives no doses. Follow your clinician and the product label.
Do these first
Sources
- Diabetes care during emergencies. US CDC, accessed 2026-11
- Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), accessed 2026-11
- Caring for your kidneys: emergency preparedness for dialysis. US CDC, accessed 2026-11
- Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs): new guidance and resources for safe use (June 2023). MHRA (UK), accessed 2026-11