If you love to travel, being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can seem like it will derail your future travel adventures. However, people with diabetes routinely travel the world and continue living the life they want to live, despite the disease.
If you have type 2 diabetes but still love to travel, here are 3 things to consider before going abroad again.
Preparation
Planning is everything, especially when you are dealing with a chronic illness. Many people fear that they won’t be able to access health care in a different country, but most countries will have doctors that speak English and can help you in an emergency. You can contact the American embassy in the country you want to visit for a list of recommended physicians.
Planning for your trip looks differently depending on where you are going, how long you are going for, and what you’ll be doing there. Camping out in the jungle requires much more preparation than staying in a big city or resort.
Before you go, plan to see your doctor for any immunizations you may need. Your doctor will also be able to give you tips for traveling and managing your diabetes on the go. Your doctor can provide you a copy of your prescription in addition to a letter explaining how you manage your diabetes. This list should have your medications on it as well as devices you use to manage your diabetes.
Health care systems differ around the world, so having a prescription detailing your medication can smooth things over if you need to visit a foreign pharmacy.
When you go
When you are getting ready for your trip, remember to always carry your medical ID with you. Medical personnel worldwide are trained to look for medical identification on individuals. Learning a few health phrases in the language of the country you are going to can’t hurt, either.
Travelers with diabetes recommend packing about twice as much medication and blood 
glucose testing supplies than you regularly use. This way you have backups and won’t need to find your regular supplies in another country. All your medication, insulin, and diabetes-related materials should be kept in your carry-on bag to minimize the chances of it being lost in transit.
Special bags for keeping your insulin at the right temperature can be found and used throughout your entire trip.
Traveling
Traveling across multiple time zones can mess with your regular schedule of checking your blood glucose levels. You can create a schedule with your doctor that takes into consideration the length of your flight, jet lag, and the time difference in the country you’re going to. This will keep you on track for checking your glucose levels.
Pack a few snacks for the airplane just in case. You can also request a diabetes-friendly meal a few days in advance of your flight. Once you arrive at your destination, take it easy for a few days. This will let your body adjust to a new place, new food, and a new time zone with ease.
Happy trails!
[expand title= “References“]
American Diabetes Association, Accessed March 16, 2017.
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