It's difficult enough managing diabetes at home; however, travelling presents a new set of challenges. Trips by plane or car provide plenty of hassles, but having diabetes can make traveling even more frustrating. Regardless of how inconvenient diabetes may be, travelling should never be an excuse for not testing your blood glucose or taking medication. If you're planning a vacation or business trip, keeping the following diabetes and travel tips in mind will help you stay healthy.

Before You Leave

First, discuss diabetes and travel with your physician. He/she may want to examine you before giving you the go ahead. Ask your doctor for a prescription as well as a letter describing your treatment plan and the medications you receive. Having this information may come in handy if you ever need medical assistance.

Ask around to see if any of your diabetic friends have once lived or visited the place you're heading to. They can provide helpful suggestionsregarding diabetes-friendly restaurants, and may also know of a nearby hospital or 24-hour pharmacy.

When planning your trip, also consider whether or not you'll be passing into a new time zone. If so, try to arrive early or late the day before. This will allow you enough time to adjust and rest. While packing, make sure that you have more than enough medication. Although you probably won't need all the medication you've packed, having extra may prove beneficial for your diabetes and travel destination.

Tips for the Airport

Since the airport is an unpredictable place, packing your medication in a carry-on bag is a smart idea. Larger luggage is more likely to end up lost or stolen. Unlike large luggage, a carry-on bag is readily available, so you can easily test your blood sugar or administer a shot.

Before passing through clearance, inform an airport security officer about your condition. As a diabetic, you're allowed to bring test strips, insulin pumps, and syringes onto the plane. Letting an official know about your condition beforehand will make the security process run more smoothly.

When you're up in the air, you can still control your diabetes travel worries. If you're hungry, you can ask a flight attendant for a meal that's low in sugar, carbohydrates, and calories. You can also eat a snack from your carry-on bag. Walking up and down the aisle every hour or so may help control your blood sugar. This can be especially beneficial for those on a long flight.

Upon Arrival

Once you've arrived at your destination, store excess diabetes medication in a secure place. Remember that cold and hot temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of insulin. For this reason, avoid places hit directly by the sun like a car trunk or backpack.

A diabetic travel journal can be a useful tool for keeping a record of grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals near your hotel. If you run out of food, medication or need assistance, having a list of resources can prevent a diabetic emergency. If you're traveling alone, it's important to have a fully charged cell phone on you at all times.

In addition to carrying a cell phone, diabetics should carry a supply of snack items, a medical alert bracelet or necklace, a doctor's prescription and letter, and extra diabetes medication-with insulin clearly marked. Having these items will help you in case of a diabetic emergency.

Diabetes shouldn't keep you grounded. Simultaneously managing your diabetes and travel plans may seem like a daunting task; however, preparation can reduce your stress. Talk with your doctor about the risks involved with diabetes and travel. Once you're aware of the risks, you can take the necessary precautions to ensure that your trip is a success.