Worst case scenario. You’re a diabetic stranded in an airport due to bad weather. Do you prepare for such a scenario? Do you bring extra insulin and needles? That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to be extra vigilant when it comes to travel. Here are some tips for diabetics travelers!
- Plan Carefully
Create a checklist of all the health related medicines and supplies that you need and check them off the list as you pack. Explain to your travel agent or airport representative that you have diabetes. They can help you plan an itinerary and inform you about specifications.
- Visit Your Doctor.
If you’re heading on a vacation it is probably prudent to visit your doctor a few weeks before your trip. Your health care expert can provide you with the necessary the necessary vaccines certain regions of the world require. Also, make sure your doctor provides you with a letter that stating that you are required to carry medicines and supplies as some airlines require such information.
- Wear your medical bracelet
When you’re far from home it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, wear a medical alert bracelet just to be on the safe side.
- Store your insulin properly
Insulin maintains its effectiveness for 30 days when stored at room temperature. If you’re traveling long distances and worried about the temperature in your carrying case, consider freezing a water bottle and placing in your travel bag to keep your medications cool.
The following is a diabetic traveler’s checklist created by the Canadian Diabetes Association.
The
- A medical check-up
- Travel health insurance
- An identification card and MedicAlert ™ bracelet or necklace
- Information on the local foods and drinking water
- A list of your medications
- A letter from your doctor stating:
- Your diabetes treatment plan so doctors in the places you travel can understand your needs
- That you need to carry syringes or needles for insulin pens and lancets as part of your insulin treatment. Having this will be helpful if your luggage is examined at airport security checkpoints.
- The supplies you need for your diabetes care. Be sure to keep your syringes, needles, pens, and lancets in the same boxes that they came in with the original prescription label on them.
- Any needed vaccinations
- Information on local medical facilities or organizations
Ask your doctor or health care team about:
- Illness management
- Hypoglycemia management (Glucagon for insulin users)
- Adjustments for meals, insulin and medications in different time zones
- Avoiding illness caused by contaminated food and water
- Tips for adjusting your medication if required
Packing list:
- Extra supply of insulin or pills for diabetes
- Extra supply of syringes, needles and an extra insulin pen if used *
- Blood glucose meter and record or logbook
- Fast-acting sugar to treat low blood glucose
- Extra food to cover delayed meals such as crackers and fruit
- Urine ketone-testing strips *
- Anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea pills
- Pain medication
- Sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Bottled water
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Glucagon *
- Telephone numbers of your doctor and diabetes educator
