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On a scale of 1-5 (1 being the most concerned, and 5 being the least concerned), how concerned are you about supply chain disruptions of diabetes supplies during a potential national emergency?
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If the sizable nuclear arsenals are ever unleashed and launched, civilizations’ only currency – law and order –collapses. So do the insulin supply chains. Is the possibility worth a 5?
Seeing the lackeys and foam-at-the-mouth madmen constituting some of today’s world leaders, I’d say: “Yeah, maybe.” 🤔
I guess it depends upon what is the national emergency. I gave it a “3”, even though I really believe that it is a “5”. The question is how “concerned” am I. I gave it a “3” because I don’t dwell on it. But, I know in my mind, that when (not if) it happens, I can survive a short term emergency.
If it goes nuclear. I don’t expect to survive. And, if I do, it will definitely be a “5”. Given what I’ve seen from our leaders in politics, and other leaders around the world, I don’t have much hope.
Your email and your actual survey questions are opposites. The email says 1 is the most concerned and 5 is the least concern while the actual question says 1 is the least concerned and 6 is the most concerned. Proof-reading anyone?
With the tight control Medicare keeps on supplies, few of us have any backup supplies on hand. Medicae allows million dollar fraud but keeps sensors and infusion setups clampwd down. What could go wrong?
I really only worry about insulin as a T1D. Other supplies I could learn to live without. Probably why I tend to hoard supplies when I can
I suppose if there is a supply chain disruption for more than a few months then many people will be screwed- diabetic and not diabetic. I usually have enough supplies for about 3 months.
I hoard syringes just in case.
I said yes because if there are no supplies coming in, and my emergency stash runs out, well then that’s it.
I agree. I was especially worried during COVID, My endo agrees with your comment but he put a number to it. ” You would not last 24 hours
without insulin…”
I am concerned that my DME supplier is based in Florida during hurricane season. So far it has not been an issue. I try and keep at least a two week buffer.
I hoard insulin pens. I am good for about 6 months, just in case I lost insurance. I have not really thought about a national emergency.
I try hard not to borrow trouble from the future. Bad things have happened and more bad things will happen that are beyond my control. I can’t avoid fully experiencing awful things fully when they happen, of course. Why suffer in anticipation too? I do try to be reasonably prepared by stockpiling supplies to the extent that I can.
I have responded with a 5 as this would be a worst case scenario of more than 10 weeks for insulin and 6 weeks for glucose testing technology including test strips.
I stock pile supplies to make this less stressful. But in dire situations limitation on supplies would become stressful.
Thanks Gary, I missed the 1 most and 5 least. I checked 5 by mistake and looking at responses it was a poorly written question as most of Their questions have 5 as most or highest. Good catch.
I have a good supply of insulin and syringes—I have lived with T1D for over 51 years now, so before all the technology available today.
it depends on what the cause of the emergency is, how many nearby countries are affected, and how long it lasts.
This is not something that bothers my thoughts, but I don’t mind having back up supplies.
Well, I wasn’t concerned before I read this question! Thankfully, I’m a D supply hoarder.
Oops, I said 4 but I guess I meant 2.
I don’t know … at least, until such a national emergency occurring with regards to disruption of diabetic supplies.
I’m sure others will mention this, but in the text you say “1 being the most concerned” and in the answer list you say “5 (extremely concerned)”. Any responses you get are suspect and this question should be thrown out! It’s simple things like this that cause me pause and wonder who your editors are.
I selected 4 because I want to believe somehow things would work out to get my supplies. Although I know it would probably mean changing how I manage my diabetes—not using CGM and pump and going back to MDI. But I have never thought about this potential situation until now.
Extremely
I used to use a syringe for about 2 months before it would get dull. So, although I now use and prefer a pump, in case of a potential national emergency, the thing I would worry about most is getting insulin. I can use syringes instead of a pump. I can use any testing form available, even urine test strips if they are still made, or drinking my own urine to see whether it tastes sweet. But insulin is the one thing I cannot live without.
This is something about which I’m not overly concerned, so I selected “3” to be neutral; then of course, I’m not young and looking forward to a long life. Younger folks should prepare and learn effective diabetes management without some of the awesome tools we now have.
I could get along with a reusable [glass] syringe, a couple of needles, and a vial of insulin – any formulation. I lived with diabetes for decades before there was any such thing as a digital blood glucose meter. Right now, I enjoy having every gadget available and just hope that my body awareness hasn’t dulled too much.
Scored 3, since try keeping 3 month supply back up even though not all back ups have current dates
This question needs to be rewritten so it corresponds with the assigned numbers.
Three. The only thing that would concern me about a supply chain disruption is having access to bottled insulin formulations. After living with T1D for 62+ years I can adapt and if forced into a devastating national emergency, I can figure out how use whatever insulin and supplies are available. Right now I have about a 12 to 14 month stash of supplies. Without some form of usable insulin I wouldn’t survive for very long.
What do you possibly expect to learn from this question? Quintessentially dumb.
I chose 4 because I tend to be “overstocked” 6 mo. to 1yr on supplies and medications. I’ve accomplished this over time and planned for it due to the times we are living in
I think anyone who doesn’t consider lack of supplies is foolish: if a zombie apocalypse happens I know I’ll be a “first line” casualty. Always had insurance, sacrificed hours (overtime), drove older vehicles, took active steps to ensure my insulin was here. Not necessarily paranoid, did my research (after retiring purchased inexpensive stuff through GoodRX: Wal-Mart, and Amazon, now just got my VA card and first 2 vials of insulin from the VA). I’m taking active steps for my health, not “ptsd” paranoid, but as an adult planning.
Until the zombies take over, than I’ll just grab a huge piece of cake and case of Coors, go out with a bang?
Extremely concerned!
I gave this a 3 only because I feel like I should be concerned. I am not really though, because I always have extra supplies on hand.