As typhoons continue to bring heavy rains and widespread flooding across the Philippines, communities are once again faced with challenges to their health and safety. One group particularly vulnerable during these conditions are people with diabetes, especially those with existing wounds or foot complications. When floodwaters rise, so does the risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and life-threatening complications.
For diabetics, even minor wounds—such as a small cut, blister, or abrasion—can quickly escalate into serious infections if not properly managed. Combine this with the unsanitary and contaminated nature of floodwaters, and it becomes a high-risk situation.
This article offers essential advice for people with diabetes, their families, and caregivers on how to stay vigilant and protect health during floods, particularly when dealing with open wounds.
Why Floods Are Dangerous for Diabetics
Diabetes compromises the body’s ability to heal wounds efficiently. This is particularly true for people with poor blood sugar control or complications such as neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral vascular disease. The presence of stagnant, dirty water increases the risk of exposure to bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can enter the body through even the smallest break in the skin.
Common infections from flood exposure may include cellulitis, fungal infections, or even leptospirosis. For diabetics, such infections can lead to gangrene, hospitalization, or in extreme cases, amputations. Being caught in a flood zone makes it harder to maintain hygiene, keep wounds clean, and access medical care quickly—all of which are vital for diabetic wound care.
What Makes Diabetic Wounds Worse During a Typhoon?
- Dirty floodwaters – Waters mixed with sewage and trash can introduce harmful microbes into wounds.
- Limited access to clean water – Washing wounds or even washing hands becomes difficult in flooded areas.
- Walking barefoot or with wet shoes – Diabetics may not feel cuts due to nerve damage, increasing chances of unnoticed injury.
- Interrupted medical care – Clinics may be closed, roads blocked, or supplies limited.
- Improper blood sugar control – Stress, lack of medicine, or disrupted meals can lead to poor glucose management.
What Should Diabetics Do to Stay Safe During Floods?
1. Avoid Walking in Floodwaters
Unless absolutely necessary, do not wade through flooded areas. If there’s no other option, wear waterproof boots or secure plastic bags around your feet and legs. After exposure, wash feet immediately with clean water and soap. Dry them thoroughly and check for any sign of cuts, scratches, or skin breakdown.
2. Inspect Your Feet and Skin Daily
Diabetics should perform daily checks, especially during disasters. Look for blisters, redness, swelling, or discharge. Use a mirror to check the soles of the feet, or ask a family member for help. Minor skin issues can worsen quickly if ignored.
3. Keep Wounds Clean and Dry
If you already have a wound, make it a priority to keep it covered with sterile gauze or a clean bandage. Avoid getting it wet. If the wound gets exposed to floodwater, immediately clean it with boiled or bottled water and apply antiseptic. Use a clean, dry bandage afterward.
4. Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
During disasters, stress, irregular meals, and missed medications can cause blood sugar to spike or drop. It’s essential to monitor glucose levels if possible and continue medications. If you’ve run out of insulin or pills, seek help from local health centers or barangay health workers immediately.
5. Keep Basic Wound Care Supplies Handy
Prepare a small emergency kit with alcohol, antiseptic solution, cotton, gauze, waterproof bandages, and any prescription medication. Having these on hand during emergencies can prevent complications.
Emergency Wound Care for Diabetics During Floods
If a diabetic gets a wound during flooding, here’s a basic guide to emergency care:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound.
- Clean the wound gently using clean water. Avoid using river or floodwater.
- Apply an antiseptic like povidone-iodine or alcohol (only around, not inside the wound).
- Cover with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Change dressing daily or more often if it gets wet or dirty.
- Watch for warning signs: redness, swelling, heat, foul smell, or pus. These may indicate infection and require medical attention.
What if There Is No Doctor Nearby?
In areas where medical help is unavailable due to flooding, families and caregivers must act as the first line of defense. Don’t wait for a wound to get worse. At the first sign of infection, increase efforts to keep the area clean and dry. Apply warm compresses if available. Maintain hydration and nutrition to help the body fight infection.
If the wound worsens, becomes blackened, or if the diabetic develops fever or chills, seek help at the nearest medical camp, local health worker, or call for assistance from disaster responders.
For Caregivers: How to Help a Diabetic During Flooding
- Check their skin and feet daily. Many diabetics cannot feel injuries due to nerve damage.
- Prepare and ration medicine. Keep insulin or oral medicine dry and cool. Mark doses if storage is limited.
- Prepare clean water for hygiene. Even during floods, prioritize water for wound cleaning.
- Help them move safely. Avoid walking in debris-laden water that could cause injury.
- Stay calm and consistent. Your support matters in keeping them stable, especially when access to clinics is limited.
Preventing Future Complications
Once the floodwaters subside, visit a healthcare provider immediately for a check-up. Even if wounds look stable, internal infections or delayed healing are possible. Follow up on diabetes control, get new supplies, and ask your doctor if wound care changes are needed.
Conclusion
Typhoon Dante’s widespread flooding has once again shown how vulnerable the Philippines is during the rainy season. For people with diabetes—especially those with open wounds—this is not just an inconvenience; it’s a critical health threat.
By being proactive, cautious, and informed, diabetics and their families can prevent serious complications. Vigilance is key: avoid dirty waters, inspect skin often, and prioritize cleanliness even when everything else feels out of control. Prepare, protect, and partner with local health workers to ensure safety even in the most difficult times.
Health during a disaster is a community effort. If you know someone with diabetes in your area, check on them, offer assistance, and share this information. In times of flood and fear, simple acts of care can make a life-saving difference.