Holiday Traveling
Reviewed by Staff of Diabetes Digest

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 YOUR TRIP

Contact you health care provider to:

1. Obtain prescriptions for all medicines you take. Make sure your health care provider writes the generic name of your medications; brand names of medications are not always the same in foreign countries.
2. Schedule and get necessary immunizations. Some immunizations are actually a series of injections taken over a time period of several weeks.
3. Inquire about medications for traveler’s diarrhea.

• Talk to your health care provider about how to adjust your insulin regimen and/or oral medicines if your trip takes you across time zones. As you travel east days shorten; they lengthen as you travel west. Always plan to check your blood glucose more frequently.
• If you don’t currently wear or carry ID that notes your have diabetes, then take this opportunity to get a form of ID.
• Find out medical emergency numbers and locations for your overseas destinations.

ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE

1. Stock up on the diabetes supplies you will need. Pack enough for twice as long as you plan to be gone.
2. Prepare a list of sick-day guidelines to help a companion or medical personnel take proper care of you.
3. Prepare a list of your health care team’s phone numbers and fax numbers to take with you.
4. Pack the sugar-free medications that your health care provider or Walgreens pharmacist recommends you use for minor ailments such as headache, colds, motion sickness, diarrhea, etc.
5. Pack medications and diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag. Plan to keep it 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. Keep your carry-on bag under the seat in front of you so you can always get to it.
2. If hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can be a problem for you carry a supply of glucose (tablets, gel, etc.).
3. If you are traveling with a companion, make sure they know how to help you if you are unconscious from a reaction and need to have glucagon administered.
4. Prepare for delays, cancelled flights and changes in schedules.
5. Airlines do not always provide appropriate snacks. Carry snacks such as peanut butter crackers or trail mix.

A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT INSULIN…

1. Insulin in vials may be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. Insulin that is frozen or is stored over 86°F can deteriorate.
2. Because different insulins and therefore different syringes are used in some foreign countries, make sure you take sufficient insulin and syringes with you.
3. Do not take insulin before your airline food is delivered to your seat. Delays in meal service are always a possibility.