Your diabetes diagnosis shouldn’t prevent you from traveling both short and long-distance. But you also have to make sure to manage your condition at all times. This will help you prevent any possible complications and ensure you have a pleasant trip. Here are some useful tips on how to travel with diabetes.
Planning Your Trip
As soon as you start planning your trip, you need to go over your plans with your doctor. Ask them to write you a letter that would detail your condition. Depending on the duration of your trip, you might need more meds than you have at the moment. If so, ask your doctor for extra prescriptions, as well.
If you’re traveling abroad, you may need to get some vaccines against certain epidemics that may be common in the area you’ll be staying in. Vaccination is even more important if you’re a diabetic. That’s because any health issue you develop can result in serious, life-threatening complications. But vaccines usually result in high blood sugar levels for a limited amount of time. You will thus have to do this at least three or four weeks ahead of your trip.
What to Do While Traveling
Because of fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, it’s essential to know how to travel with diabetes. First, alert the plane or cruise ship personnel about your condition. Have your diabetes ID with you at all times. Also, pack an emergency kit, including syringes and insulin, in your carry-on luggage. In case your blood sugar levels go down, always have some hard candy in your pocket.
Arriving at Your Destination
Make sure to always keep your insulin shots handy in case of emergency. It’s one of the most important tips on how to travel with diabetes. You’ll probably be doing a lot of sightseeing on your feet, too. If so, you’ll need proper footwear to minimize your risk of injuries. Wear comfortable shoes and bring at least one extra pair for added comfort.
If your symptoms take a turn for the worse all of a sudden, you’ll need to seek immediate medical attention. That’s why learning how to describe your condition in the local language may be of great help. Finally, if you need further help, call the local Red Cross or contact your country’s embassy.
