Provider-Guided Emergency Support for Persons Living with Type 1 Diabetes during Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria

Abstract

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was especially memorable for 3 major hurricanes - Harvey, Irma, and Maria - that devastated population centers across Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico, respectively. Each storm had unique hazard properties that posed distinctive challenges for persons living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Diabetes care specialists and educators took on leadership roles for coordinating care and establishing insulin supply lifelines for people with T1D living in the hardest-hit neighborhoods affected by these extreme storms. Strategies and resources were customized for each population. Diabetes specialists strategized to provide mutual support and shared insulins and supplies across sites.