Published: 19 November, 2025 Australia is known for its harsh weather – droughts, floods, heatwaves, bushfires, and cyclones. These events can disrupt daily life, and make it harder to access healthcare and other important services. This is why emergency planning is important for those living with diabetes. As a health professional, you play an important role in helping people with diabetes prepare for natural disasters. Helping people prepare Natural disasters can be challenging for people with diabetes. Floods and cyclones can cut off communities, damage clinics and pharmacies, and disrupt supply chains. Bushfires can lead to power outages, evacuations and smoke exposure. Stress during emergencies can also affect glucose levels, making diabetes harder to manage. You can help your clients with diabetes by encouraging them to plan ahead. Being prepared can lower their risk of diabetes-related problems during a natural disaster. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) has a simple tool called My diabetes plan for natural disasters that you and your client can complete together. The plan should be reviewed and updated each year or when their diabetes management changes. NDSS also has a poster you can download here. Checking their diabetes emergency kit The impact of a natural disaster can last days or even weeks. Encourage your clients keep a diabetes emergency kit in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container that is ready to go. The My diabetes plan for natural disasters includes a checklist, but each kit must be tailored to the person’s needs. Key items include: A personalised My diabetes emergency plan for natural disasters A sick day plan and a letter from their GP explaining their diabetes management A 14-day supply of their medications Glucose monitoring supplies Diabetes management equipment and spare parts Treatments for low glucose (hypoglycaemia) such as glucose tablets, glucose gel or jellybeans Non-perishable carbohydrate supplies, like crackers, muesli bars or long-life milk Batteries, chargers and power banks. Clients should only pack insulin and other medications that require refrigeration just before they leave home. If they are use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor, talk with them about what to pack. Some items have product limits or short expiry dates. Remind your clients to check expiry dates and restock their kits every three months. Helping your clients about making ‘what-if’ adjustments Plans don’t always go as expected! Encourage your clients to think about how natural disasters might affect their daily routines, such as meals, exercise or access to healthcare. Help them prepare by talking through practical ‘what-if’ situations. For example, if their fridge stops working, then they could use an esky or cool packs to store their insulin. Role playing these scenarios can help clients feel more confident and ready to manage their diabetes during emergencies. Following up after a natural disaster After a disaster or emergency, client follow-up is important. It helps you: Review your clients’ glucose levels, any complications and their emotional wellbeing Check how well their emergency plan worked and make changes as needed. Working with emergency and community services As a health professional, you also have a role in supporting emergency planning in your organisation or community. The NDSS website has several resources, including a guide for emergency services and councils. These tools to support people with diabetes and other chronic conditions during natural disasters or emergencies. By understanding how natural disasters can impact your clients’ health, you can help them feel prepared and confident to manage their diabetes even during stressful times.
