Here are 9 tips for traveling with diabetes
Being a diabetic can make vacationing difficult. Your diabetes must be controlled in order to enjoy your trip, and keep you safe. These tips will make traveling with diabetes easy.
Take a note from your doctor
Before your trip, visit your doctor. You should get a signed note from your doctor confirming your diagnosis. Also, ask for the generic and trade names of the medications that you’re using. It is also a good idea for your doctor to explain the reason you need lancets or syringes, an insulin pump, or any other supplies. These documents will allow you to quickly contact your doctor if necessary. These documents may be helpful at border crossings and in an emergency such as a problem with medication.
Request an extra prescription
It’s a good idea to obtain a prescription for extra insulin or other medications when you are away from home. You never know what you might require and when. It’s a lifesaver to always have your essentials close by.
Bring two pairs of comfy shoes
This allows you to air out one pair and use the other. You should also bring brown or black flats with closed toes for formal occasions and dinners. Make sure to break in your shoes before you go.
For the beach, bring aqua shoes
These booties have a stretchy sole to protect your feet from the hot sand and rough walkways around the pool.
A insulated tote is a great option.
The lined bags help keep food cool. You can also stop at a deli to get some water — it will keep your food cool. You can then add snacks like low-fat mozzarella cheese sticks, sliced apples, and yogourt cup.
Plan some “me” time
Traveling with friends and family can be stressful. Stress can be bad for your diabetes. It is possible to reduce stress by spending some time alone. Visit a mall. Take a hike. Go to a historic place in a neighboring town. When you take a deep breath, the stress of traveling will disappear.
Set up a compact foot-care package
Traveling is all about seeing and doing as much as you can quickly. It can be exhausting to walk from one landmark to another, and can cause blisters or hot spots.
While they might seem harmless, blisters can be a sign of infection that can become serious for people with diabetes. A sandwich bag should be filled with several sheets moleskin, several adhesive bandages (large and small) and round-tipped scissors. Ask your pharmacist to order moleskin if they don’t have it on their shelves. If you feel a hot area developing, take a piece moleskin and cut it off. Then stick it on. You can also cover a full-blown blister by applying a bandage.
Wear lifesaving jewellery
It doesn’t matter where you travel to, you should always have a medical alarm bracelet or necklace. It will alert emergency personnel of your diabetes status. You will receive better care, as emergency responders will be better equipped to handle you.
A pedometer will make your workout more enjoyable
These products are sold at sporting goods shops and department stores. For good health, fitness experts recommend walking 10,000 steps each day. It’s equivalent to approximately eight kilometres (five miles). Attach your pedometer to the belt or waistband of your pants in the morning, and continue moving until your goal for that day.
Safe travel tips for diabetics
Are you a diabetic or not? There is no reason you shouldn’t travel as much as the rest of us. Here are some safe travel tips that diabetics can use to make their vacations more enjoyable.
When you have diabetes, it is essential to live a normal life. While traveling has its difficulties, it can be done with minimal interruption to diabetics’ healthcare if you follow these steps.
Do the right checks
Your doctor or nurse should check you before you travel to make sure your health is stable. Because time zones may change your routine, it is important to ensure your diabetes is under control before you travel. Your doctor should write a prescription for all drugs you take. You may also need an explanation for needles or syringes in order to pass customs. Proper documentation will allow you to bring any medication you need on board the plane in your cabin luggage.
An insulin pump user will need to inform the airline at least four weeks in advance. Some flight crews may require medication to be stored onboard the aircraft. Keep everything together to prevent things from getting lost.
Stay safe
Talk to your diabetes team about the destination when you plan your travels. Medical professionals can offer expert advice about when to take medication and how you can adjust your schedule to accommodate time zones. Your insulin and blood glucose monitoring can be affected by extreme temperatures. You might need to check your numbers more often.
It is a good idea to bring twice the supplies that you would normally use when traveling. Keep an emergency sugar supply on hand and a medical alert bracelet with you in case of trouble. Also, it’s worth purchasing travel insurance.
Watch your diet
While it’s tempting to enjoy a drink while on the road, you should also be able to try new flavours. Enjoy yourself and don’t drink too much alcohol. Alcohol can affect blood glucose control, which can lead to hypoglycemic attacks.
Also, be mindful of food hygiene while traveling. Diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms can cause blood glucose to drop.