Comprehensive IDF-WPR diabetes and disasters manual, 2nd edition available

A disaster is a serious disruption which threatens or causes death or injury and/or property damage that requires special resources. With high global diabetes prevalence and rates of natural and man-made disasters people with diabetes will inevitably be affected. The International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region (IDF-WPR), the most populous IDF region has experienced high rates of disasters. We should all think, diabetes and disasters - not if, but when, and how individuals, relevant organisations, industry, and national and international agencies can prepare and respond. It is a shared responsibility. Disaster-related challenges may include loss of shelter, power and communications, reduced access to healthy food, clean water, medications, healthcare providers and records, more injuries, infections, unstable diabetes, vascular events, and mortality. Particularly vulnerable diabetes groups are the young, elderly, Type 1 diabetes, pregnant women, those with chronic complications, e.g. vision loss, kidney failure, amputations, cognitive impairment, and frailty. Even after a brief event adverse consequences may last years, including worsening of cardiometabolic control and increased cardiovascular events. Forward planning can mitigate adverse outcomes and should include multiple stakeholders, including groups with which most healthcare professionals do not regularly interact, e.g. those running shelters, transport, communications, media, and politicians.