Friday, July 14, 2006

Dr Anna Matthews HSA General Practitioner

With hurricanes predicted to be at an all time high this season, preparation for the special needs of Diabetics is especially key to staying healthy in the event of a disaster. Health Services Authority (HSA) physician, Anna Matthews, said patients are more able to handle the stress of a potential hurricane if they are physically and mentally prepared.

"The most important thing to do in a hurricane is to make sure that your blood sugar is normal," said Dr Matthews.

"Some people are scared to self-monitor so they should get into the habit of testing their blood sugar or have a designated person do it for them. It is a mindset."

Dr Matthews explained that having a reliable meter with sufficient back up batteries is crucial in monitoring blood sugar levels. If the patient takes medication to control Diabetes, then a minimum of a month's supply should be on hand.

If the patient takes insulin, then it is important the Diabetic have access to some kind of refrigeration to keep it in. If there is a hurricane there is unlikely to be electricity to keep a refrigerator going so patients could use a simple insulated jug with ice, but the insulin needs to be cold to maintain its effectiveness. Even a plastic bag with ice will help keep the insulin at the right temperature.

Diabetics also need to make sure they have the proper footwear to protect themselves against cuts and bruises as they are more susceptible to foot damage. This is especially important if there are nerve problems, because they don't feel pain on their feet as much.

It is also important that in the aftermath of a hurricane, Diabetics maintain their diet and not eat too much refined sugar. If they run into problems - it will not be as easy to go to a health facility for help. A two-week supply of dried foods should help patients maintain their diet.

Dr Matthews noted that some diabetic patients will sometimes start feeling sorry for themselves and then decide that they don't want to have diabetes anymore so they don't take their insulin or stick to their diet. This kind of behaviour only creates more physical problems.

"If you don't manage your diabetes you will have complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, stroke or amputation," stated Dr Matthews. 

She added that Diabetes is a major problem in the Western world and an epidemic in the Caribbean region, primarily because it is a lifestyle disease.

"Diabetes is a modern disease and mostly occurs because of a sedentary lifestyle and the food we eat. Health is in your hands," she added.

shurna@caymannetnews.com

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