What is Diabetes?

The Challenges of Taking Diabetes on the Road

Vacations offer the chance to step back from the humdrum routines of daily life and seek adventure, relaxation and renewal. If you have diabetes, you can leave the job and daily routines behind, but your diabetes will travel with you. While the illness may pose a challenge, with careful planning a diabetic can have a safe, healthy and fun-filled vacation.

Once you've decided on the type of trip you want to take, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your travel plans. There are a number of specific issues you need to cover, depending on your destination and mode of travel.

If you use insulin and your plans include an overseas destination of air travel, ask your doctor for a letter stating that you have diabetes and need to use insulin and syringes. If you use a pump to deliver insulin, that should be stated in the letter.

If you're heading for less developed areas, see what shots you may need and discuss the need for antibiotics to take along in the event of unexpected illness.

Crossing time zones can throw off your normal insulin schedule, so have your physician help you figure out how to adjust your insulin dosage.

Although diabetes supplies are available in most countries, you may not find the specific brand names or items you normally use. Most experts suggest taking at least two to three times the amount you need so that if anything is lost or damaged, you'll have plenty of extras.

If you're flying, be prepared for delays. Carry your diabetes supplies with you in a pack you can keep with you at all times. And pack healthy snacks that can also serve as meals in the event that flights are delayed or meal service on the plane is slow.

Wear layered clothing, comfortable shoes and take along a warm pair of socks in case you need them in flight. It's a good idea to ask for an aisle seat so you can get to the bathroom easily and have easier access to the flight attendants if you need them.

Call the airline in advance to order a diabetic meal but be prepared in case there is a mix-up and your special order doesn't arrive. Wait until you receive your meal before injecting insulin. Mid-air turbulence can interfere with meal service at any time. Frequent travelers warn that those using insulin should be careful not to inject air into their insulin vial. The pressurized cabin makes drawing up insulin a little tricky.

What is Diabetes? | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes | Taking Diabetes on the Road
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