Diabetes Health Type 2: Managing During Emergencies

I was doing some shopping in the supermarket the other day when it occurred to me that I spend more time food shopping – which is a good thing because that means that I am taking the time to read labels and choose healthy foods.

That’s a big change for me. Going to the supermarket has never been a favorite errand to run. There were lots of other chores that I preferred doing.

 

Now that I have learned more about my Type 2 diabetes, now that I know what to look for nutritionally, food shopping is much more interesting. I want to eat foods that look appetizing, taste good and are nutritious.

 

It’s worth taking the time to see if a certain box of food has a high sugar or carbohydrate content. Walking through the produce aisle, I have my notes written down about which fruits have low sugar levels and which ones should be avoided.

 

Sticking to my diabetic diet was a challenge when Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas recently. I moved from New York to the southeastern coast of North Carolina five months ago. As Florence approached, it looked like it would hit my area – somewhere between Wilmington, N.C., and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

 

The governors of North Carolina and South Carolina urged coastal residents to evacuate. Quickly.

 

Hurriedly packing, I took my diabetic supplies and medicines, including insulin, my cooler and plenty of ice packs for the 4 1/2 hour drive there.

 

I also grabbed whatever spinach, kale, celery and other vegetables that were in my refrigerator and brought them with me. Several non-perishable food items like peanut butter, nuts, crackers and protein bars to have as snacks or during any episodes of low blood sugar were in my pantry so I grabbed them, too.

 

My family and I got in our car and headed west to my niece’s home near Charlotte, N.C. On September 14, 2018, Hurricane Florence touched down in Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

 

For a week my niece took us evacuees in and that was good because we ended up losing electricity for at least 48 hours back home. It was still hot and humid in North Carolina when Hurricane Florence hit – in the 80s – so we were much more comfortable staying at my niece’s place.

 

Evacuating during Hurricane Florence was my family’s best option. Florence has moved on but it reminded me how important it is for all of us to be prepared with extra clothes, supplies and food during an emergency. Being ready really made a difference for this diabetic.