Travel tips for diabetics

Diabetes is a chronic illness and needs to be continuously managed. However, it does not mean that diabetics cannot travel or will have any problems while on a trip. There are only some tips that the patient needs to keep in mind to have a tension-free and safe holiday.

• Get the location and duration of the trip approved by the treating physician.
  
• If possible, get the doctor to prescribe medication that may be required during the travel period. The medications may include not only those used to treat diabetes, but also ones for preventing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea etc.
  
• Make preparations for getting your blood sugar checked at the destination. You should also try to identify medical services in the vicinity of your area for any emergency.

Travel tips:

Traveling for work or for holidays, should be enjoyable. If you have diabetes, a little extra preparation can help make your trip one to remember, for all the right reasons!

CHECKLIST 

·   Carry twice the amount of diabetes medication and supplies than you had normally needed.

·   Obtain sufficient prescriptions for insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents and keto-diastix (if on insulin).

·   If traveling with someone, give some of your medicines to your traveling companion, in case you lose yours.

·   If traveling by air, never put insulin in the suitcase. Low temperatures in the hold of an aircraft will cause insulin to freeze.

·   Obtain a letter on introduction to doctor overseas, outlining your treatment and any other health problems. Another letter will be needed stating you have diabetes and authorizing your need to carry syringes and medications etc.

·   Carry a list of all your current medicines (or take a repeat prescription sheet).

Carry a simple first-aid box, which should include:

·   Simple pain killers like paracetamol (crocin)   

·   Anti-diarrhea capsules (Imodium)

·   Antiseptic solution

·   Always carry some emergency carbohydrate food e.g.; dried fruit, jelly beans, dry biscuits as departures can be delayed.

IF YOU ARE ON INSULIN

·   Find out the types and strengths of insulin available in the country that you are traveling (in case of emergency). In India, U-40, U-100 is commonly used.

·   For different strengths of insulin, one must use syringe of similar strength.

·   Do not expose insulin to extreme temperatures. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight and should be kept at a cool place.

·   Don't keep insulin in a glove compartment/dickey or dash box of the car. Carry a suitable storage container for insulin to prevent it from heat.

Remember that insulin may get absorbed faster in warmer climates; hence, the chances of a hypoglycemic attack might increase. Regular blood tests are therefore important as you may need to manage/reduce your dose of insulin.

LONG-HAULT FLIGHTS AND CHANGING TIME-ZONES

·   Prepare for a long journey well in advance by asking your Diabetes Educator to help you work out your insulin dose. Also, discuss the effects of time changes on your diabetes routine.

·   Try to be flexible and be prepared for flight delays.

·   If you are traveling, keep your watch at Indian time, which will help you to know how far you are from your usual eating time.

·   Insulin and meals should be taken according to the current time at the place where the flight started, not according to the time of the country of destination.

EATING AND DRINKING

·   Carry sandwiches/biscuits or cereal bars to cover any unexpected delays in travel. Remember to take this in your hand luggage and not to put this in the hold of a plane.

·   Take sweeteners with you i.e. sugar pouchs mishri

·   Airline meals may not contain sufficient carbohydrate. It is better to ask for an "ordinary" meal rather than asking special "diabetic" meal, or to carry extra bread, a roll or fruit with you.

·   Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach. It is advised to avoid alcohol before and during flights in order to prevent dehydration, high blood glucose levels and fatigue. In hot climates drink plenty of sugar-free fluids to prevent dehydration.

FOOT CARE

·   Wear/carry comfortable, well-fitting shoes.

·   Never go barefoot.

·   On the beach, do not walk barefoot, especially on hot sand. Wear sandals or surf sandals to prevent injury.

·   Watch out for sharp objects on the beach or while you are swimming.

·   Inspect your feet every morning and evening for breaks.

·   If you develop a blister, cover it with a sterile pad and keep it clean.