Travel Tips for Diabetics

Your tickets are booked, your bags are packed and you are ready to go on your trip. Or are you? If you are diabetic, there is another stop that needs to be added to your itinerary and a few extra items should be included in your luggage.

Before you set off for the wide blue yonder, take a detour to your doctor’s office for a check-up. Make sure your diabetes is in control and have any necessary immunizations, preferably at least a month before departure in case the shots upset your glucose levels so you will have time to recover. Ask your doctor for a letter explaining your diabetes, medications, supplies and any allergies. Also request a prescription for insulin or diabetes medications in case of an emergency.

Advance planning will help ensure a smooth departure. Do not forget to carry or wear identification that shows you have diabetes. If you are going to a non-English speaking country, learn certain phrases in the local language such as, “I have diabetes. Where is the hospital?” or “I need sugar, please.” Be sure to plan for time zone changes so you will remember to take your diabetes medicine on time. Eastward travel means a shorter day, so if you inject insulin you may need less. Westward travel means longer days and possibly more insulin. Check with your doctor about timing of injections during your trip. Keep your watch on home time until the morning after arrival so you can keep track of shots and meals as you change time zones. 

Check your carry-on luggage to make sure you did not forget to bring twice the amount of medication and blood-testing supplies as you think you will need. Also pack blood and urine testing supplies, oral medications and a first aid kit. Being prepared will help you manage a lost suitcase, delays or unexpected schedule changes. Have all syringes, insulin delivery systems (including insulin vials), jet injectors, pens, infusers and preloaded syringes clearly marked with your name and a prescription label. Keep insulin temperature between 33°F (1°C) and 80°F (27°C). Carry enough food for the entire trip and keep snacks with you in case your blood glucose drops.  

You can request a special diabetic meal ahead of time if flying to your destination. If you are on insulin, wait until the food is about to be served before taking your shot. Remember not to inject air into the bottle because air in the cabin is pressurized. Check the strength of insulin if you purchase it in a foreign country. Buy new syringes to match the new insulin to avoid a dosage mistake.

If you are traveling by car, here are some tips for healthier trips:

• Avoid vending machines, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants or snack bars. 
• Fill sealable plastic bags with vegetable finger foods like carrot sticks, bell peppers and broccoli florets.  Vegetables are a good source for complex carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins A and C. 

• Pack different varieties of fresh fruit – they’re low in fat and good sources of vitamins A and C.

• Tuck in single-portion beverages.  Take canned or boxed fruit juice, canned tomato juice and boxed milk.  Keep beverages cool in a small, insulated container.

• Pack other portable, non-perishable foods.  Good examples include crackers, pretzels, peanut butter, raisins, ready-to-eat cereal and dried fruit.

• Stock an insulated cooler with perishable foods like deli sandwiches, yogurt and cheese.

• Build physical activity into your daily plans.  Get of the car often to stretch or take a short walk.  On overnight trips, find a local exercise club or jogging path.

• If you have no choice but fast-food restaurants, avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol meals.  For example, order a chicken sandwich instead of the double-bacon cheeseburger.

Before you get ready to kick back and relax, remember to wear comfortable shoes and never go barefoot. Avoid open-toed sandals or flip-flops, and protect your feet with shoes specially made for walking at the pool or beach. Remember to follow your daily foot-care routine.