New visitor restriction policies puts strong limits on visitors entering hospitals during the covid-19 epidemic.

So what does this mean for those of us with chronic conditions? It is scary to think that if hospitalized, we are on our own.

It is important for the hospital staff to know exactly how you manage your diabetes.  

Social Distancing is the perfect time to prepare your med lists, a grab bag and update your medical records.

Be your own best advocate!

Here are some suggestions to getting started:

Grab And Go Bag:

• Include your medication list
• Pump supplies
• Batteries
• Pill box or baggies with supply of pills
• Insulin supply or attach a note as a reminder
• CGM supplies or attach a note as a reminder
• Chargers, cables, or attach a note 
• Snacks, glucose tablets
• Glucose meter or attach a note 
• List of Dr’s and phone numbers

Update Your Medication List:

• List all meds
• List all vitamins
• Over the counter meds, as in allergy medications
• How often you take each one
• When you take them
• Dose/ mg
• Reason for taking medication
• Special instructions
• Pharmacy phone number

Medical History:

• Create a list of conditions
• Surgeries
• Latest blood work results

Special Diabetes Instructions:

• Insulin dosing
• Insulin delivery
• Basal rates
• Insulin to carb ratio
• Sensitivity level
• Sliding scale

List of Doctors, specialties & phone #’s

List anything else you think the hospital staff may need to know. Pack your grab and go bag with essentials to keep you as comfortable as possible if you were to stay in the hospital. 

Stay positive and healthy! Remember, this is only for the worse case scenario. Because hospitals are not allowing visitors to come and go, you can rest assured that you have a bag with everything you need ready.