DON’T LET DIABETES KEEP YOU FROM ENJOYING YOUR NEXT TRIP
Published: 09/25/2009 by Michelle Riaz
The rigors of traveling can be daunting at times, even for the most seasoned, fit and healthy traveler, but when you add the additional component of having to manage your blood sugar around the clock because you’re diabetic, the prospect of leaving home for even a nearby destination can be overwhelming. After all, it’s not one of those things you can leave behind at home for someone else to take care of while you’re gone.
Perhaps the biggest challenge in managing to combine travel with a health condition such as diabetes is the need for advance planning. This is something which every traveler should practice, but it’s critically important if you have diabetes and do not want that fact to interfere with your trip. Let’s take a look at some very important considerations to work through before you set foot outside your door:
If your trip will take you through different time zones, be sure to plan for that in deciding how much insulin to bring with you. Make a schedule for your medicine so that no matter where you are, you know exactly when to take your medicine. Keep in mind that if you are heading east, your days will be shorter and you’ll need less insulin; conversely, if you’re traveling west, your days will be longer and you’ll need to bring more insulin.
Keeping your blood sugar levels stable means having a regular supply of nutritious snacks and meals. If your trip includes airplane travel, be certain to know how long each flight will last and whether meals or snacks will be served. Bring enough extra food so that even if your flight is delayed or there are other scheduling problems, you have something to eat and drink.
At least four to six weeks before your trip, have a check-up to examine your levels of A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol. All of these need to remain at a consistent healthy level before you leave.
While you’re at your doctor’s office, ask him or her for a new prescription and a letter that details your diabetes medications, describing your supplies as well as any allergies you may have. Be sure to bring this everywhere with you during your trip. You should also wear identification explaining that you have diabetes. All of these can be very important in the event of an emergency.
If you’re traveling to a foreign county, get a list of foreign physicians who also speak English. Local medical schools might have this information, or the American Consulate or American Express. You may also want to visit http://www.idf.org to get a list of International Diabetes Federation groups. This is important because insulin comes in a range of different strengths in foreign countries, and you will also need to be certain you have the right size insulin syringes to work with the differing dosage strengths.
As for all travelers, be certain that all of your immunizations are up to date. Research your destination and determine precisely what immunizations are needed. Be sure you get every one of them, at the prescribed time intervals.
After you have completed all your travel plans, it’s time to pack for your trip. Over-estimate (rather than under-estimate) the amount of diabetes medication and related supplies that you may need. It’s far better to return home with some unused insulin as opposed to running out of medicine in a foreign country. Pack your insulin in an insulated bag with refrigerated gel packs and, if you’re flying, keep your medicine and supplies with you on your seat where you can easily reach them. Carry your diabetes medication in your carry-on luggage, and be sure to clearly label all syringes and other medical equipment for ease of clearing any customs examination points. According to the FAA, it’s best if you retain the original pharmaceutical pre-printed label as well.
In addition to a first-aid kit, also bring along a glucagon emergency kit and be sure you have your medical insurance i.d. and emergency telephone numbers where they can be quickly accessed. Also, have snacks, glucose gel or tablets with you in the event that your blood sugar drops.
If your flight comes with a meal, telephone in advance and request a diabetic (or low-fat or low-cholesterol) meal. Wait until your food is about to be served before you take any insulin (otherwise, any delay in your meal could result in low blood sugar). If you’re on a flight where no meal is being served, bring a meal onboard yourself. Also, make a point to tell your stewardess that you have diabetes, and request an aisle seat for easier access to the bathroom. Whatever you do (if you’re flying) don’t inject air into the bottle when drawing up your dose of insulin because the air in the cabin will probably be pressurized.
When your trip involves road travel, never store your diabetes medications in the trunk, glove compartment or too near a window to prevent their overheating. If you can, bring along a cooler and definitely bring extra food with you in case you can’t find a restaurant in a timely fashion.
Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, it’s important to reduce your risk for blood clots by making sure that you move around every hour or two. Travel with at least one other person if you can, and be sure that they know about your diabetes. Test your blood glucose frequently, because changes in diet, movement or time zones can have an adverse effect. Last but not least (and this goes for everybody) keep your feet protected – never go barefoot in the pool or the shower.
This may sound like a large number of precautions to take just for a trip, but once you get more used to the procedures, they’ll become a lot easier and more automatic.
Wishing you a safe happy journey.....
