/PRNewswire/ - It was one of the most memorable winters in recent history with snowstorms wreaking havoc across the US causing transportation delays, power outrages, and structural damage. With tornado season set to start this month, Americans now have another type of weather phenomenon with which to contend.

When weather emergencies or natural disasters strike, millions are often left stranded in their homes without power, utilities, or a way out. Being caught unprepared for these types of situations can be devastating and potentially life-threatening, particularly for people with diabetes who are much more susceptible to illness when forced outside their normal care routine. That is why the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) and Lilly Diabetes created the "Power of Prevention®: Diabetes Disaster Plan," a comprehensive checklist of items for people with diabetes to use in order to prepare for a potential disaster.

New in 2011, this resource is now available in both English and Spanish.

Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, ACE and Lilly Diabetes joined forces to provide guidance to people with diabetes on assembling a kit for emergency situations. Since 2005, more than 10 million Power of Prevention®: Diabetes Disaster Plan checklists have been distributed throughout the US. Copies of the plan are available for free download at: www.powerofprevention.com.

Some items on the list can help ensure a person with diabetes has access to proper care, including having a list of all medical conditions, a properly stored supply of medications, and contact information for all healthcare providers. Additional items to have on hand to ensure the safety of the others include an empty water bottle and/or sharps container to hold used syringes, needles, and/or lancets.

"During the aftermath of a natural disaster or weather emergency, medical care and supplies are often in short supply," said Todd W. Frieze, MD, FACP, FACE, ECNU, CEC, ACE. "Through the Power of Prevention®: Diabetes Disaster Plan, we hope that the millions of people with diabetes in this country will avoid potentially life-threatening disruptions in their diabetes care by assembling an emergency kit well in advance of ever needing to use its contents."

Data released this year by the Centers for Disease Control indicates that 26 million children and adults in the US have diabetes. The management of this disease requires daily medications which can make these individuals vulnerable when emergencies strike.

"Lilly Diabetes is committed to helping people with diabetes and their caregivers meet the challenges of every-day life, including anticipating unforeseen events," said Mark Hartman, M.D., senior director, US Medical Affairs, Lilly Diabetes. "Our goal with ACE and the Power of Prevention®: Diabetes Disaster Plan is to make sure people are thinking about the 'what if' situations for their diabetes care long before they need to put a plan into action. Since we can't know for sure when or where the next disaster will strike, the best course of action is to simply be prepared."

About the American College of Endocrinology (ACE)
The American College of Endocrinology (ACE) is the educational and scientific arm of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). ACE is the leader in advancing the care and prevention of endocrine and metabolic disorders by: Providing professional education and reliable public health information; Recognizing excellence in education, research and service; Promoting clinical research and Defining the future of Clinical Endocrinology. For more information, please visit www.aace.com.

About Lilly Diabetes
For more than 85 years, Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has been a worldwide leader in pioneering industry-leading solutions to support people living with and treating diabetes. Lilly introduced the world's first commercial insulin in 1923, and remains at the forefront of medical and delivery device innovation to manage diabetes. Lilly is also committed to providing solutions beyond therapy "“ practical tools, education, and support programs to help overcome barriers to success along the diabetes journey. At Lilly, the journey of each person living with or treating diabetes inspires ours. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com.

About Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly and Company, a leading innovation-driven company, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly provides answers "“ through medicines and information "“ for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

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