Diabetics can take trips anywhere with a little planning ahead. Keep these points in mind when organizing your trip so you'll enjoy the pleasures of travel.
A MONTH BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
Schedule an appointment with your doctor for a check up. Ask your doctor the procedure for self administration of an insulin injection on an airplane as pressurized cabins could mean you need to modify your normal method. Also, ask what you should do about following your medication schedule when changing time zones.
Get an extra prescription for each of your medications.
Have your doctor write a letter stating that you are diabetic, outlining your treatment, medications, supplies, devices used, and any allergies or special instructions.
Get any immunization shots needed.
PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP:
Pack twice as many medications and diabetic supplies as you think you'll require. If you're traveling by airplane, place these in your carry-on bag. When arriving at your destination, place half in a bag you keep with you, and half in your suitcase. If you're traveling with a friend, ask them to carry some of your diabetic supplies in case you misplace yours.
Pack your insulin in a special insulin travel bag that keeps it cool. Insulin travel bags can be purchased from diabetic and medical supply stores.
Pack the extra prescriptions from your doctor and a list of your medications.
Pack the letter from your doctor.
Pack glucose, hard candy, or some other sugar source food to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Pack a healthy emergency snack pack so you don't miss a meal.
Pack a medical alert information card and be sure to wear your medical alert bracelet. Be sure to update your emergency contact information before leaving.
Pack (and wear) comfortable, proper-fitting shoes to avoid blisters.
IF YOU’RE TRAVELING BY AIR:
When booking your airline (or cruise ship) reservations, ask for a diabetic meal. Don't take your medications until you have the meal on the tray in front of you so you don't get low blood sugar. If the flight does not have meal service, pack suitable food in your carry-on bag.
Contact the airport for special instructions for diabetics traveling with syringes, devices, and medications.
Arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure.
Notify the officers at security check points that you are carrying medical supplies. Your prescriptions MUST be in the original container and have a valid prescription label on them. All supplies MUST have a proper manufacturer's label on them. Pack your medical supplies in a clear bag in your carry-on luggage. (Syringes are only allowed onto a plane if you are also carrying insulin.)
ALWAYS ask for a visual inspection instead of passing through the metal detector or being cleared with a hand wand.
AFTER YOU’VE ARRIVED:
Check your blood sugar often.
Remember to organize for meals and insulin injections.
Follow general traveling advice such as avoiding tap water in certain places.
TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY:
If intending to leave the country, contact The International Diabetes Federation at (www.idf.org) for medication and prescription laws and special information for diabetics.
Contact The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (www.iamat.org) before you leave to find out what to do if an emergency occurs and you need a diabetic doctor who speaks your native language.
Learn important phrases in the language of where you are going. For example, "I am diabetic," "I need sugar," or "I need a hospital." Record these phrases on a card and keep it with you. If you can't pronounce the phrases properly, they can be easily read by someone who speaks the language.
Traveling with diabetes isn't too complicated - if you prepare yourself. Don't let your diabetes get in the way of your travels.
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