Do not let diabetes hinder your travel plans. With proper diabetes management, you can go out on adventure to any destination across the world and still have a great time. Traveling to new places will get you out of your routine so you get to explore new places and improve your overall wellbeing. However, the changes in your routine may result in delayed meals, unfamiliar food, and high level of activity. These factors can all disrupt your diabetes management which may put you at serious risk. Here are a few tips to travel with diabetes.
Before Traveling
- Set an appointment with your doctor to assess your current condition to determine if you are fit to travel. Ask your doctor the following:
- Will any of your planned activities affect your diabetes?
- Does your daily insulin dose need to be adjusted for a different time zone?
- Replenish your medications.
- Do you need any vaccines?
- Get a written doctor’s letter to carry your diabetes medication.
- Do some research to find the nearest clinics and pharmacies within close proximity to your travel accommodation.
- Obtain a medical bracelet indicating your medical condition.
- Purchase a travel insurance to cover any medical care and other unforeseen circumstances.
- Place an order of a special meal on board the flight to ensure it caters to your dietary requirements. Alternatively, you can bring your own.
- While packing, place your diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag so you can easily access them inside the flight. Pack twice as much medication just in case. Medications should be carried in their original pharmacy bottles or packaging, clearly labelled with your name. Pack also healthy snacks like raw veggies, fruits, and nuts.
- For airport security, you can help to facilitate a smoother screening process by getting an optional TSA notification card available online at their website. People with diabetes are exempt from the 3.4 oz liquid rule for medicines, gel packs to keep insulin cool, and fast-acting carbs like juice. Ask for a hand inspection if you are carrying a continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump which may get damaged by X-rays.
While Traveling
- For those who are driving, fill up a cooler with plenty of water bottles and healthy foods.
- Insulin or diabetes medications should not be stored in direct sunlight or in an overheated car. Make sure to store them in the cooler but not directly over ice or a gel pack.
- Healthy food options are available almost anywhere in the following choices:
- Salads with fish or chicken
- Nuts, fruits, yogurt, sandwiches
- Eggs and omelets
- Fajitas without rice
- If you are driving, make pitstops to take a few steps to stretch your arms and legs. If in a plane, walk up and down the aisle after a couple of hours. This can prevent blood clots which is a high risk for people with diabetes.
- Set an alarm to remind you to take your medications on time especially if you are traveling at a different time zone.
