Don’t Let Diabetes Ruin This Holiday Travels, Let Wikitrips Show You How.

It’s the holiday and you’re planning a trip with friends and family to celebrate at beautiful and exotic places around the world, but you’re also worried about effectively managing diabetes while away from home. Don’t look too far and don’t be afraid to book those travels because in the spirit of World Diabetes Day, Wikitrips has got Diabetes management tips that would ensure you have a wonderful travel, risk free. We know that visiting new places gets you out of your routine, and although that’s a big part of the fun, delayed meals, unfamiliar food, being more active than usual, and different time zones can all disrupt diabetes management. Sit tight and let’s show you how to prepare and beat that worry so you can have a fun filled trip.

STAGE 1: Things to check off your list while planning the trip

1. Visit your doctor for a checkup and don’t forget to ask these practical questions:
   • Find out how your planned activities could affect your diabetes and what to do about it.
   • Find out how to adjust your insulin doses if you’re traveling to a different time zone.
   • Make sure your doctor provides prescriptions for your medicines in case you lose them or run out.
   • Find out if you’ll need any vaccines.
   • Make sure you get a letter stating that you have diabetes and why you need your medical supplies.

2. Locate pharmacies and clinics close to where you’re staying.
3. Get a medical ID bracelet that states you have diabetes and any other health conditions.
4. Get travel insurance in case you miss your flight or need medical care.
5. Order a special meal for the flight that fits with your meal plan, or pack your own.
6. If you’re packing:

• Put your diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag (insulin could get too cold in your checked luggage). Think about bringing a smaller bag to have at your seat for insulin, glucose tablets, and snacks.
• Pack twice as much medicine as you think you’ll need. Carry medicines in the pharmacy bottles they came in, or ask your pharmacist to print out extra labels you can attach to plastic bags.
• Be sure to pack healthy snacks, like fruit, raw veggies, and nuts.

2. For Airport security:
   • Get an optional TSA notification card to help the screening process go more quickly and smoothly.
   • It might interest you to know that people with diabetes are exempt from the 3.4 oz. liquid rule for medicines, fast-acting carbs like juice, and gel packs to keep insulin cool.
   • A continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump could be damaged going through the X-ray machine. You don’t have to disconnect from either; ask for a hand inspection instead.
3. Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health site for more helpful resources.

Leaving home now? Then don’t forget these:

• Doctor’s letter and prescriptions
• Snacks and glucose tablets
• Extra insulin and diabetes medicines

STAGE 2: Things to do while on Your Way

9. If you’re driving, pack a cooler with healthy foods and plenty of water to drink.
10. Don’t store insulin or diabetes medicine in direct sunlight or in a hot car; keep them in the cooler too. Don’t put insulin directly on ice or a gel pack.
11. Heat can also damage your blood sugar monitor, insulin pump, and other diabetes equipment. Don’t leave them in a hot car, by a pool, in direct sunlight, or on the beach. The same goes for supplies such as test strips.
12. You can find healthy food options at the airport or a roadside restaurant:
    • Fruit, nuts, sandwiches, yogurt
    • Salads with chicken or fish (skip the dried fruit and croutons)
    • Eggs and omelets
    • Burgers with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun
    • Fajitas (skip the tortillas and rice)

You do not have to worry when you pack your diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag.

13. Because Diabetes puts you at higher risk, make sure to stop and get out of the car or walk up and down the aisle of the plane or train every hour or two to prevent blood clots.
14. Set an alarm on your phone for taking medicine if you’re traveling across time zones.

STAGE 3: Now that you’re here

15. Your blood sugar may be out of your target range at first, but your body should adjust in a few days. Check your blood sugar often and treat highs or lows as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator.
16. If you’re going to be more active than usual, check your blood sugar before and after and make adjustments to food, activity, and insulin as needed.
17. Food is a huge temptation on a cruise. Avoid the giant buffet, and instead order off the healthier spa menu or low-carb menu or order something tasty that fits in your meal plan from the 24-hour room service.
18. Don’t overdo physical activity during the heat of the day. Avoid getting a sunburn and don’t go barefoot, not even on the beach.
19. High temperatures can change how your body uses insulin. You may need to test your blood sugar more often and adjust your insulin dose and what you eat and drink.
20. You may not be able to find everything you need to manage your diabetes away from home, especially in another country. Learn some useful phrases, such as “I have diabetes” and “where is the nearest pharmacy?”
21. If your vacation is in the great outdoors, bring wet wipes so you can clean your hands before you check your blood sugar.

Don’t forget:

Diabetes can make everyday life and travel more challenging, but it doesn’t have to keep you close to home. The more you plan ahead, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy all the exciting experiences of your trip.