Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when traveling with diabetes to keep your mind at ease while you enjoy your time away. Preparing for a trip can be stressful and having to worry about diabetes management on top of everything else can seem impossible. Remembering to pack all the essentials not only for yourself, but oftentimes your family members can make stress levels skyrocket. Some simple, helpful tips can help to save time and put your mind at ease when it comes to managing your diabetes while enjoying your time away.
It’s Packing Time – How to Prep
When planning a trip, checklists are essential; just as you would complete one for your toiletries, a list of necessary medicine is an excellent idea. We advise overpacking, aim to bring at least twice the amount of medication and blood-testing supplies you believe necessary. Place half of this quantity in your carry-on bag; this will assure that supplies are near you at all times in the case of an emergency. We also recommend familiarizing yourself with clinics and pharmacies close to your vacation destination for extra precaution before arrival.
When creating your checklist, we suggest the inclusion of the following:
- Diabetes Identification Card
- Insulin and syringes
- Oral Medication
- Blood and urine test supplies
- Snacks such as peanut butter or juice if needed for low blood glucose
- Prescription and letter from your doctor
Time for Takeoff – What you Need to Know
Traveling with diabetes can feel daunting at first, but with the necessary planning, you can be ready for anything. If traveling by car, befriend a cooler to store healthy foods such as fruits. Also, when traveling, it is vital to avoid placing insulin or diabetes medication in direct sunlight or left in a vehicle unattended. This is another excellent opportunity for your friend the cooler to make an appearance. However, please note insulin shouldn’t be directly on an ice or gel pack. Be mindful of the fact that specific insulin pumps may have difficulty when passing security. Models that may interfere with body scanners include Dexcom and Medtronic. Keeping this in mind, give yourself time to spare and arrive early at the airport.
The Importance of Food When Traveling with Diabetes
When rushing on the road or running around a crowded airport, it’s easy to be tempted to eat the first thing in sight. Always remember that healthy options are readily available to you should you facilitate them.
Here are a few hassle-free foods you can find on the road or at the airport:
- Fruits, nuts, sandwiches
- Chicken and Fish Salads
- Burgers with a lettuce wrap substitute for bread
You Made It, What Now?
Once you’ve reached your destination, don’t be alarmed if your blood sugar is out of your usual target range; it may need a few days to adjust. However, do not become negligent with checking. Ensure you are doing so before and after meals and keep monitoring throughout your trip. When on vacation, it’s easy to overexert yourself. Keep that in mind and don’t overdo it physically, especially during daytime when heat is at its peak. Traveling with diabetes makes the process a bit more complicated, but it doesn’t have to keep you from exploring. The more you plan, the more you can enjoy. Remember, you are not your diabetes!
Summer vacations are happening, and you deserve them too. Here at Synergy Healthcare, we continue to advance care options for chronic diseases such as diabetes through clinical research studies. Visit our website or call us at (941) 896 – 4948 to learn more about potential participation here!
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/traveling-with-diabetes
