Table of Contents:

1. Keeping up with Daily Medications
2. Will COVID-19 Impact my Medication Supplies (e.g. Insulin)
3. Talk to Your Healthcare Team about Medication Management

1. Keeping up with Daily Medications

It is important to continue to keep up with your child’s normal schedule of insulin and other medications to effectively control blood glucose levels. All your prescriptions should be current, and you should have a maximal number of refills available.¹ Continue to maintain your usual supply of insulin and other medications as recommended by your healthcare team, without stockpiling larger quantities than needed.²

2. Will COVID-19 impact my medication supplies (e.g. Insulin)?

Follow the announcements of appropriate health organizations and authorities in your area to determine any impacts on the manufacturing or distribution of insulin and other medications. In Canada, there is currently no evidence that the supply of insulin and other type 1 diabetes medications has been impacted. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) continues to maintain close contact with the leading suppliers of insulin in Canada. Continue to maintain the usual amount of back-up insulin and other medications, and follow the direction of local regulations and announcements in your area.² 

3. Talk to Your Healthcare Team about Medication Management

It’s important to keep an open line of communication with your child’s healthcare team. Remember to call ahead of time whenever possible. During this uncertain time, many medical visits for routine care may be postponed or completed over the phone. Continue to self-monitor for coronavirus-like symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or cough.³

Additional Information & References

1. T1D and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know [Internet]. JDRF Canada. 2020 [cited 15 April 2020]. Available from: https://www.jdrf.ca/coronavirus/
2. Hokken-Koelega A. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) information for children and adolescents living with endocrine conditions, including type 1 diabetes mellitus [Internet]. Eurospe.org. 2020 [cited 15 April 2020]. Available from: https://www.eurospe.org/news/item/14064/COVID-19-information-for-children-and-adolescents-living-with-endocrine-conditions-including-type-1-diabetes-mellitus?dm_i=52TX,6NV6,CCR8E,P7YN,1
3. Checklist to Get Ready [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2020 [cited 2020Apr8]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/checklist-household-ready.html 

Our Partnerships