Holiday Traveling With Diabetes

A few simple rules of thumb for traveling with diabetes can make your trip more enjoyable. Whether you are going overseas for a month or on a short day trip, a modest amount of preparation can make a tremendous difference in the quality of your vacation. Use this vacation planner to help you avoid travel stress.

Three or More Months Before Travel…

Contact your physician to:

1. Obtain written prescriptions for all medications. Make sure the physician writes the generic name of your medications; brand names of medications are not always the same in foreign countries.
2. Schedule necessary immunizations. Some immunizations are actually a series of injections taken over a time period of several weeks. Scheduling early also gives you time to feel better if you experience an adverse reaction.
3. Inquire about preventative medications for traveler’s diarrhea.
4. Ask if he could recommend a colleague in the cities you will be traveling through.
5. Talk to your physician or CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) about insulin and medication adjustments if you are crossing time zones. As you travel east days shorten; they lengthen as you travel west. Always plan to test blood glucose more frequently no matter which direction you travel.
6. Obtain a medical alert card, necklace or wristband containing the diagnosis of diabetes.
7. Find out medical emergency numbers and locations for overseas destinations.

One to Two Weeks Before…

• Stock up on diabetes supplies. Pack enough for twice as long as you plan to be gone.
• Prepare a list of sick-day guidelines to help a companion or medical personnel take proper care of you.
• Prepare a list of your doctors’ phone numbers and fax numbers to take with you.
• Pack sugar-free medications recommended by your doctor, pharmacist or CDE for minor ailments such as headache, colds, motion sickness, diarrhea, etc. Also, pack medications and diabetes supplies in carry-on bags and plan to keep with you at all times. Luggage can be lost or stolen and some supplies can be harmed by extremes in temperatures found in luggage compartments and car trunks.

Finally…It’s Time To Go!!!

1. Wear your medical alert jewelry at all times.
2. Remember to carry all supplies with you.
3. Do not place your diabetes supplies in the overhead compartment of the plane. Turbulence or other situations could prevent you from getting to them.
4. Always carry a supply of glucose (glucose tablets, gel, etc.) to treat hypoglycemia. Teach a companion how to administer glucagon if you are insulin dependent and/or how to deal with emergency situations.
5. Prepare for delays, cancelled flights and changes in schedules.
6. Airlines do not always provide appropriate snacks. Carry snacks such as peanut butter crackers or trail mix.

A Special Note About Insulin…

•  Insulin in vials may be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. Insulin that is frozen or is stored over 86°F will deteriorate.
•  All types of insulin are not available in all countries. Syringes used in North America cannot be used accurately with some types of insulin found overseas.
•  Do not inject pre-meal insulin on flights until the meal is on your tray due to the possibility of unexpected turbulence.

Recommended Supplies

• Blood glucose monitor
• Test Strips
• Lancets
• Lancet Device
• Ketone Strips
• Syringes or Pen Needles
• Alcohol Swabs
• Sharps Container
• Medications, including Insulin
• Glucose Tablets or Gel
• Snacks
• Items you Routinely Use

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