Diabetic travelers
So what if you are a diabetic and must travel? You can undertake a journey very easily, just like anyone else-all it needs is a little planning so that your diabetes is well taken care of.
And how do you prepare for your journey? Well, that depends on where you’re going (beach, mountainside, ranch or city) and for how long, how hectic it will be and how well connected to medical stores you are going to be.
Preparing for the trip: Before you arrange for your trip, have yourself medically examined to ensure your diabetes is under control. Do this a month before you leave for your holiday. Take immunization shots a month before you leave so that if they make you sick, you have enough time to recover before you start your holiday.
One more important thing before you set out-get a letter from your doctor and a prescription. The letter will outline how to take your tablets or insulin shots and when. It should also list all the necessary equipment you need to carry such as insulin, syringes, and any other medication, and a list of allergies you have or foods or medications you are allergic to.
The prescription will outline the insulin or diabetes pills you need and will serve as an emergency note. You can also write a list of all the International Diabetes Federation groups and another list of all English-speaking foreign doctors from the International Association for Medical Assistance, New York. If you need emergency help while traveling and do not have such a list, contact the American Consulate, American Express, or local medical schools.
Pack your medication: Pack twice the amount of medication and blood-testing supplies you’re going to need and at least carry half of this in your carry-on bag so that you always have your medicine with you. In your carry-on bag, pack the following: all your insulin and syringes you’re going to need, oral medicine and other medical supplies such as your ID, glucagon, anti-nausea drugs, antibiotic ointment, diabetes identity card, anti-diarrhea medication, and an air-tight box of crackers or cheese, peanut butter, fruit, a juice box, and glucose tablets for low blood glucose.
Insulin first, travel later: Consider where you’re going to store your stock of insulin. The good news is that it need not be refrigerated but you can’t store it in a very hot or cold environment as it will lose its potency. Avoid storing it in the glove compartment or trunk of your car or in backpacks or cycle bags as they too can get hot, being exposed to direct sunlight. Put your insulin supplies in travel packs so they stay cool.
Further, don’t change insulin brands while on your journey, unless you run out of stock and can only find substitutes for your regular brand, or you will need to be placed under medical supervision.
Insulin in the US comes in strengths of U-100 but abroad they may be available as U-40 or U-80. If you use the latter, buy new syringes to match the new insulin and avoid making a mistake in the dose.
After a long flight, you need to take care of yourself. Check your blood glucose often. When sightseeing, carry snacks along, and medication, needles and lancets. Take the best care of yourself while traveling.