Diabetes Emergency Plan for Natural Disasters
RESOURCES FOR CLIENTS
NDSS: Diabetes Plan for Natural Disasters
If you are living with diabetes, it is important to be prepared for natural disasters like bushfires, floods, storms or cyclones. Living through a natural disaster can make it hard to look after your diabetes; and put your health at risk.
Having a plan and being ready for natural disasters reduces the risk of diabetes-related emergencies and life-threatening situations. Watch this short video about how to plan and prepare for a natural disaster.
NDSS: Diabetes Plan for Natural Disasters
The My diabetes plan for natural disasters can help you manage your diabetes before, during and after a natural disaster. Keep this plan and your emergency kit together in a safe place and keep them up to date.
My diabetes plan for natural disasters and emergencies
This plan lists important things to put in a diabetes emergency kit. You can also use this plan to record your personal details, important contact information and list of current medications.
This resource is also available in other languages
NDSS hot weather and diabetes guide
If you are living with diabetes, hot weather can put your health at risk. Staying cool can help you to stay well.
In hot weather, people living with diabetes can be more likely to become dehydrated or develop heat stroke. This can be due to high blood glucose levels or changes in how the body balances its temperature. Watch this short video about how to stay to cool to stay well in hot weather.
State emergency service quick links
TGA: Managing your medicines in an emergency
Practical guidance on how to manage your medicines during a natural disaster or emergency. It outlines steps people can take before, during, and after an emergency to ensure they don’t lose access to critical medications.
The article covers what to include in an emergency kit, how to access replacement medicines if left behind, options for keeping temperature-sensitive medicines cold, and how the TGA monitors national medicine supplies during a crisis. It also highlights what pharmacies and state and territory governments can do to help in an emergency situation.
RESOURCES FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS (HCPs)
The Needs of People with Diabetes in Disasters and Emergencies: A Guide for Emergency Services and Local Councils
Published by the NDSS and administered by Diabetes Australia, this practical guide helps emergency services and local councils understand and address the needs of people living with diabetes during natural disasters and emergencies.
Covering key areas such as insulin access, blood glucose monitoring, dietary needs, and wound care, it is an essential reference for anyone involved in emergency planning, response, or recovery.
NDSS Disasters and emergencies guide for services
How to support people living with diabetes in a natural disaster?
It is important for people living with diabetes to be prepared for natural disasters like bushfires, floods, storms or cyclones. Having a plan and being ready for natural disasters reduces the risk of diabetes-related emergencies and life-threatening situations. You can support people living with diabetes by understanding how natural disasters can impact on their health. Watch these short videos about how to plan and prepare for a natural disaster.
Download the booklet here.
PBS Continued Dispensing arrangements
Continued Dispensing is a PBS arrangement that allows approved community pharmacists to supply an eligible medicine to a patient when there is an immediate need but their prescriber cannot be contacted or is unable to provide a prescription. It ensures patients are not left without critical medications due to temporary access barriers.
To be eligible, the patient must have previously received the medicine on a PBS prescription, and the pharmacist may only provide this service once within a 12-month period. The medicine is supplied at the usual PBS price, up to the PBS maximum quantity.
Related: PBS arrangements during natural disasters and emergencies
Vic DH: Pharmacy supply in an emergency (January 2024)
This Victorian Department of Health document outlines the five options available to pharmacists for supplying Schedule 4 and Schedule 8 medicines during an emergency, including electronic prescriptions, verbal instructions, digital images of a paper prescription, Continued Treatment, and PBS Continued Dispensing.
Each option has specific eligibility criteria and quantity limits, with some pathways restricted to Schedule 4 medicines only.
Homepage source here.
Clinician prompt sheet, conversation starters
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
NADC UPDATES
Australasian Diabetes Advancements & Technologies Summit (ADATS) 2026
Join us for the much-anticipated 10th annual Australasian Diabetes Advancements and Technologies Summit (ADATS) at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, leading the way for the upcoming Australian Diabetes Congress.
As we mark a decade of innovation, ADATS 2026 promises an inspiring program featuring renowned international speakers and Australia’s leading experts who will explore the latest advancements and practical applications of diabetes technologies both locally and globally.
Whether you’re new to diabetes care or an experienced professional, this milestone event offers valuable insights for everyone dedicated to improving the lives of people with diabetes—program details to be announced soon.
We’ve begun planning to invite both international and local experts, so keep an eye out for updates in the coming months.
In the meantime, don’t miss the chance to secure the super early bird rate by registering now!
