Emergency Food Shelter Kit For Diabetics and CKD Folks

Last week i posted that i was just diagnosed with Type 2. I was really surprised for it seemed illogical.  As mentioned my younger sister lost her fight with Diabetes - juvenile onset BRITTLE BRITTLE Type 1. In learning how to manage her disease with her via Joslin Insititute, I learned that the same Gene that determines Diabetes can choose to select Breast Cancer instead, with all the correct circumstances in places, genetically.

I am a breast Cancer Survivor.  Stage 3a Infiltrating, aggressive. 1990-91.  I was 30.   single Mom, Fast tracking DoD Career in the Defense Communications arena.  There was no prior family history.  I defied all the criteria.  Including a Gyn/Ob a few months prior.

My preferred course of action was intense, and more aggressive AMF and/or CMF Chemo protocols.  We switched when my body could not handle what we threw at it.  Entire treatment involved a radical mastectomy, including lymphectomy, Chemotherapy, 28 Days of aggressive Radiation - 68 thousand rads - and a Blind Immune Booster Study through Sandoz Labs to hopefully help my immune system fight and keep me safe.  It did not work. 

In those days AMF or CMF required 4+ hours of infusion.  Today the same treatment is a handful of tablets!  We have come so far!!  And the radiation is not so broad spectrum but rather very focused beams if required.  This is the best news in the Cancer Treatment world today.

Back to current time -  So obviously the Diabetes diagnosis just didn't fit.  My husband is a Type 2 - with extensive complications, including amputation due to MRSA and mostly mis-management of his disease for the beginning years, til he met me! LOL
We eat and live a healthy diet.  Something didn't fit...

The following day I received a copy of my lab results including a request for Serial UA tests. The Labs showed a GFR of  >59 or rather stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease.  Bottomed out levels of Vit D and sky high triglycerides. Enough so they can not calculate an accurate cholesterol level. They are repeating baselines before progressing to imaging and biopsies.

Given the amount of toxins in my body via prescription medications This made sense to me.  My father is a Donor Kidney Recipient. There is history and logical grounds.

Immediately I got on-line and began to research.  How do i tweak my diet to stave off progression of this monster and i found The GRAIL!

I have volunteered, then hired on for 10 yrs in Disaster Services on local to Federal Levels. I have searched high and low for adequate documents for Diabetics that explain How, What and When with regard to preparing for a Disaster.  Whether it be a Blizzard or hurricane to WWIII - what does a diabetic do without insulin?

The documents i found were published by the American Kidney Foundation.  They are geared towards Kidney patients on dialysis or another rigorous treatment, and, includes specific considerations for Diabetics.

This includes a .pdf booklet containing a Menu/Shopping list for 3 days.  The foods are easily obtained.  The objective is to meet basic nutritional needs without stressing your kidneys, raising your blood sugars.  There are instructions for Sheltering in home, in a "Shelter" or even at a Dialysis Facility.  Notations on how to prevent your body from building too much waste, and stay stable until you are able to get your medications or treatment you need.

Please, Please do not let me mislead you - this is not appropriate for every Diabetic - it does not replace insulin or other medications but it can really help.  It is a tool for those of us who had none.

We believe in long term food storage for many reasons.  One is, if you are very ill who can drive to the store? In our pantry we now have a Rubbermaid Tote filled with Food and Fluid supplies for 6 days for 2 people.  I can grab and go in an Evacuation, or just bring it to the kitchen, open it up and follow "The Plan" if the need arises.  It will travel with us when we go camping.

Please take the time to Prepare so you or someone you know has Diabetes or CKD has an honest chance of surviving a Disaster or Emergency.

If you are unable to find the documents and want a copy I will Gladly email them to you the file please send me an email with Diabetes in the subject line.  Your identity and information will be protected.