Travelling With Diabetes

Planning way ahead of the travel is the key to a successful trip and extremely true for people suffering with diabetes. The most difficult time for a diabetic is when one has to travel or go out for a party, as a lot of adjustments are to be made during these times as diabetes travels along with the person. One should always discuss the travel plans with one’s physician before travelling.

During travelling the timing of the meals get disrupted, which means adjustment in the schedule of insulin or oral medications to what is being taken as food. Changes in the time zone of more than two hours means that one needs to change the injection schedule.

One should carry nutritious snacks along with, as they may be additional help in timing a major meal. This also safeguards one from eating wayside foods, inaccessibility of food and chances of infection.

Some biscuits, tin of cheese, some homemade snacks are easy options to carry along and these can replace a cooked meal as well. Something sweet like a candy or chocolate should always be carried as it helps in early symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Drink plenty of water or fluids (sugar-free) and try to avoid tea, coffee and soft drinks as they contain caffeine that may cause more fluid loss. Stay comfortable and move around every hour, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots.

Also, it is beneficial to carry an identification proof (card, bracelet, necklace etc), which declares that one is diabetic and is on a particular medication. This would facilitate immediate diagnosis and timely management in case of any emergency.

When travelling by air, one should keep in mind that airlines require written prescriptions stating that you are allowed to carry medicines, syringes and needles or else one can be in trouble while flying and when entering in some countries.