Diabetes and Travel
“Sit back, relax, put on your traveling gear. No need to doubt, put aside your fear…” While traveling with Diabetes presents some challenges, that does not mean you have to stay home. Everyday people with Diabetes travel around the world, and with a little planning, you can too!
Diabetes Travel Tips:
- Be sure to carry a supply of snack items, identification/medic alert necklace or bracelet, your doctor’s prescription for additional supplies, and extra testing supplies and insulin in your brief case/carry-on bag. For security purposes be sure that your insulin is clearly marked.
- When traveling abroad, find out what customs, current events, time zone changes, etc. could affect your Diabetes and travel needs.
- Try to arrive early/ the night before, especially when crossing time zones, so you have time to adjust and rest
- Talk to other diabetics who have visited your destination to find out where to get the best Diabetes-friendly meals, where there are 24 hour pharmacies, and accommodations that offer special services.
- Keep a Diabetes travel journal so you know which grocery stores/pharmacies have sugar free items, and where the hospitals/Diabetes centers are, should you have a diabetic emergency.
- Be sure to have your cell phone charged and ready, and that your ICE (in case of emergency) numbers are clearly marked
- Check your blood glucose level regularly, as jet lag can copy the high and low blood sugar symptoms. Also, the additional exercise of racing through airport terminals while pulling/carrying your briefcase, luggage, and carry-on may cause a lower blood glucose level than your normal routine.
Q & A for Diabetic Travel Guidelines:
Before going on a trip, see your doctor, as they may be able to assist you with your Diabetes travel management schedule when crossing times zones. It also wise to be well acquainted with the Diabetes exchanges so you can adapt your food needs and not “mess up” your Diabetes needs.
- What is the best way to prepare for a solo car trip to prevent high or low blood glucose? Follow the a-b-c’s of traveling with Diabetes—a) Always leave early so you arrive early, b) Be active–Get out and walk at rest areas, c) Check your blood glucose often and d) Don’t forget to bring along some healthy snack choices
- How is insulin adjusted for time zones? Skip your dose of intermittent insulin on the morning of your trip and depend on your regular insulin to keep your blood glucose normal—be sure to check levels often. Once you reach your destination, adjust your watch and go back to your regular schedule.
- What is the best way to store insulin for a road trip? Insulin is good at room temperature for up to a month; when traveling keep it cooler than 85*F.
Traveling with Diabetes can be done with a bit of planning. Just follow the diabetic travel guidelines and tips here and go have fun. Bon Voyage!
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