Diabetic worries

[the big fly in]

Have you considered a paleo diet for diabetes??

[Lanky Yankee]

I had an idea about keeping insulin cool. What if u submerged it in a lake or deep river. The temp would be constant and at least cool enough to slow down the denaturization.

[Survivalist85]

Hi all. Very interesting reading here. Iv been diabetic for 24 years now and inject 2 to 4 times a day. Unless im abroad i NEVER store my insulin in a fridge. Obviously you must be clever about this and dont leave it on top of a roasting BBQ or anywhere that will get unusually hot. Iv spoken with my diabetic professor about my interest in survival many times and she has no major concerns about this. I get 2 months worth of supplies every month so i can stockpile certain items. My fears run with others on the forum and with limited supplies in a SHTF situation all you have is time. But i assume in that time i could source more insulins and try to help others along the way. I hope this has been of some help to someone. Open to questions though.

[maxilaura]

I tried to ask my for an extra dosage of meds for shtf events, and he just looked at me as I was

[Survivalist85]

I told my doc i work away from home and if i get called away on a weekend for a few weeks and i only have a week of stuff left im screwed. He then said he would give me an open script that could be collected in any pharmacy, so i said thank you very much but if i get called abroad its not much use! so he now gives me 2 months of supplies every month.

[OpSec]

I'm maxed out on control by tablet, 2 x 1000mg Metformin, 4 x Cliclazide and 1 x Sitagliptin everyday. Despite watching what I eat my levels are still rising, the only way i can get into single figures is by cutting out carbohydrates altogether, which isn't really a sensible option.

My doc and diabetic nurse want me to switch from tablets to insulin, I'm reluctant but may have no option. I can stock up on tablets over time but worry that I'd struggle to build up an adequate supply of insulin if the supply got disrupted for any reason, social or disaster. Also the tablets have a much longer shelf life than insulin and don't need any special environment as long as they are kept in their air tight blister packs.

One of the earlier posts mentioned cinnamon, this must be correct because my nurse told me that taking cinnamon tablets or sprinkling power on food could reduce the amount of medicatio I'd need.

[Survivalist85]

Interesting OPSEC, If as your doc says your insulin supply to the body is continuing to decrese then tablets will not help it will have to be insulin. Maybe as a good exercise either ask your doc and or diabetic nurse if there is anything you can do to help yourself? Maybe even get a second opinion. I would be happy to pass on the details of "my" diabetic team up north and you can call them anytime.

Supply of anything is just persuading the doc to agree to spend the money on it. If you have 4 weeks supply at a time and after 3 weeks have to go away for work OR maybe a long holiday somewhere the doc will have to give you enough supplies to last the time you are away. Depending on what insulin you are going to be on im sure in a SHTF case you would be able to find someone with spare to last you a few more weeks until something is hopefully sorted.

Hospitals always keep a supply of certain types. A good friend of mine is on animal insulin and it is only produced in batches twice a year. So like some types of fruit it gets difficult to find sometimes, even by health professionals!! Worth noting. I dont think they put people onto this type now but none the less.....

[OpSec]

Thanks Survivalist

I'm not concerned about the accuracy of the diagnosis, my doctor and diabetic nurse are both excellent. I was managing to keep it more under control more by burning off the extra blood sugars. I was walking 5-10 miles a day, using the gym 3 times a week and swimming twice a week, never felt so fit and it did keep the levels down. Unfortunately a couple of years ago my wife had a massive stroke that has left her severely paralysed and partially sighted. She needs 24x7 care and as I'm her full time carer (luckily I can continue to work from home) I rarely manage to get out of the house.

I don't get much spare time between working and looking after Diane but thinking about it though I guess there's nothing to stop me doing aerobic and strengthening exercises at home whilst caring for Diane - which would keep me fit enough to look after her properly, help me keep my levels down and could be considered another form of prepping.