Whether you are dreaming of a tropical paradise, a cross country road trip, or visiting family, traveling can be a wonderful way to enjoy life. Those with Diabetes can still take part in these experiences; it just takes a little extra planning. Follow these ten tips as you begin to plan your trip:
- Check in with your primary care provider or physician before you go. Make sure that you are up to date on your checkups and let your doctor know that you are planning to travel.
- Make sure that you have enough of your medications and any supplies for checking blood sugar. In fact, pack a little more than you think you will need! If you are going on a long trip, your pharmacy may be able to supply you with extra medication and supplies. If not, check in advance to see which pharmacies are located at your destination and make sure that they can fill your prescriptions if needed.
- Look up local health centers or hospitals. Check in advance to see what sort of medical care is available at your destination in case you need it and whether they take your insurance.
- Pack snacks. Traveling often causes changes in eating habits. Make sure that you have some healthy snacks on hand, as well as some emergency glucose tablets in case your blood sugar gets too low.
- Stay active. Plan a bit of movement each day, whether it is a hike with friends, sightseeing, or walking through a museum. Exercise is shown to help keep blood sugar levels stable.
- Enjoy balanced meals, even when you are eating out. A good rule of thumb for keeping your blood sugar levels stable is to enjoy ½ plate of vegetables, ¼ plate of carbohydrates, and ¼ plate of lean protein. Try to keep to this as much as possible, even when eating out. If your meal does not come with vegetables, order them as a side dish.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can be dangerous for anyone, but for those with diabetes, it may pose extra risks. When you do not drink enough water, blood sugar levels may rise. Make sure to keep a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day.
- Wear a medical ID bracelet that indicates what type of diabetes you have as well as any other health conditions you may have. This is a good idea for anyone with diabetes, but is especially important when traveling.
- Stay safe on the airplane. If you are flying, make sure that any medications you may need remain with you in your carry-on luggage. Also, be sure to get up and walk every hour or two to reduce your risk of blood clots.
- Plan ahead and have fun! Stress can affect blood sugar too. By planning ahead, you can help reduce stress while you travel.
To learn more, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html
https://www.diabetes.org/tools-support/know-your-rights/what-can-i-bring-with-me-on-plane
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/traveling-with-diabetes
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.