Traveling with diabetes requires preparation both before and
during your trip. Here are 11 tips to help you make sure your
diabetes doesn't interfere with the pleasures of travel.
1. Visit your doctor at least a month before you leave to make
sure your diabetes is under control. If you need to do any
stabilizing, a month will give you enough time. The same month
should let your body settle down after any necessary
immunization shots, so get those at the same time.
2. Get a letter from your doctor certifying that you are
diabetic, and listing the various medications and supplies you
must carry with you. Without this, you might have difficulties
passing through Security at airports and international border
crossings.
3. Also get a prescription for your insulin or other diabetes
medication. Even though you should have enough syringes, strips
and medication to last for the duration of your trip, it's
always good to have a prescription in case you lose them, they
become spoiled because of extreme weather conditions, or your
trip lasts longer than you original planned.
4. Wear an ID bracelet announcing your have diabetes, and also
carry a small card saying so in the local language of the places
you will be visiting.
5. Learn to express specific diabetic requirements in the local
languages. I've compiled a listing of likely phrases in eight
languages. Click here to get it. Diabetes_phrases_translated.pdf
6. Pack at least twice as much medication and supplies as you
think you'll need. Put half in your suitcase, and half in a
special bag that never leaves your possession. The container for
these supplies should be sturdy, preferably hard sided, for
protection.
7. Carry a sealed pack containing hard candies or glucose
tablets in case irregular eating makes your blood sugar drop too
low. Your pack should also contain emergency snacks, such as
crackers, cheese, fruit, juice --- in case you must wait too
long between meals, which can happen when we are traveling.
8. Insulin can lose its strength in extreme temperatures, so
carry your supply, as well as pills and other medication, in a
thermally insulated bag.
9. Carry bandages and first-aid cream, comfortable walking
shoes and protective beach shoes. Your feet neet extra special
care while you're traveling.
10. While on your trip, check your blood sugar more often than
usual. Many factors, such as fluctuating temperatures and
changing time zones, can cause wild swings in your blood sugar
levels. If you check often, you'll be better able to take
corrective action as needed.
11. Finally, contact the International Association for Medical
Assistance to Travelers at 417 Center Street, Lewiston, NY
14092. They can provide you with a list of English speaking
doctors in the countries you'll be visiting.
As long as you take sensible precautions to care for your
diabetes, there's no reason why it needs to stand in the way of
a happy travel experience. Bon voyage!
About the author:
Bob Fleming suffers from Type 2 diabetes, but he does everything
he can to suffer as little as possible! Visit
http://www.thediabetesinfoplace.com for informative articles and
resources, including a list of diabetic emergency phrases in
eight languages. Sign up for
Bob's free weekly
diabetic-friendly dessert recipe!
