Ellen Campbell-Grizzle

We have entered the hurricane season and people with chronic illnesses should have their medication and a stockpile of appropriate foods on hand. Fill your prescriptions as the important thing is to have the medication in your possession if stores are closed and storm damage prevents deliveries.

Diabetics who use insulin should have adequate supplies. Remember, insulin requires protection from bright light, extreme heat and extreme cold. Once opened, insulin is good for 28 days at temperatures under 30 degrees Celsius ( 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Insulin pens have different expiration dates once opened, check the package insert. If you are unsure, call your pharmacist.

Storage container

It is a good idea to get a storage container that can be kept dry - a box or insulated bag - and prepare at least a two-week supply of such items as:

Syringes or pen needles for insulin injection.

Insulin pump supplies.

Alcohol swabs.

Extra batteries for glucose meter.

Test strips, lancet device and lancets for the metre.

Test strips (type 1 diabetes).

Glucose tablets, juice and hard candies to treat low blood sugar.

Prescriptions for diabetes supplies.

Medication for nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Remember those basic tips on diabetic foot care that you should follow at all times.

Wash your feet every day. Wash them gently with soap and a washcloth. The water that runs off your body while you are standing in the shower does not count. Do not put lotion between your toes and discuss foot powders with your doctor before using them.

Check your feet every day. Examine the tops, bottom, sides and between the toes of each foot. If you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or get help . Look for red spots, wounds, bruises or rashes. Never try to remove corn or calluses yourself. If you notice any form of injury, contact your doctor immediately.

Get regular foot examinations. You should have regular and thorough foot examinations and if you have bunions, hammer toes or diabetes-related nerve damage, these foot examinations should be more frequent than usual.

Control your blood sugar. Good blood sugar control reduces the risk and progression of diabetic nerve damage.

Shoe-shop with care. Buy comfortable shoes as you cannot afford to 'break them in'. Buy shoes at the end of the day when your feet are swollen.

Check inside your shoes as something may have fallen or crawled into them. Make sure that there are no loose pieces of fabric or leather inside the shoe that could rub against your foot. Discard shoes if they show signs of wear.

Wear proper socks. Change your socks every day. Some diabetics prefer seamless socks. Avoid socks with big seams.

Be wary outdoors. Keep your feet cool and dry in the summer. Avoid cooling gels on your feet. Never walk barefoot. Wear sandals at the beach and swimming shoes in the water.

After a storm, be especially careful about your feet. Standing water may hide hazards such as nails, glass, wood and other storm debris. Wear sturdy shoes for protection.