The vacation months are here! It’s that time of year once again for traveling, seeing the world, and bonding with family and friends.  But for a person with diabetes, traveling might be a daunting and tiring task.  For one, there is a discouraging feeling that when you travel, your sickness travels with you, too.  Secondly, there is the hassle of bringing along your various medications.

However, there is actually no need to worry.  With proper trip preparations, may it be a local or overseas trip; a person with diabetes can still enjoy the trip with his or her loved one!

DOs:

Schedule a medical exam. Have a medical exam to make sure that your diabetes is in good control.  Be sure to see your doctor weeks or even a month ahead, to make sure that you are in good condition to travel.  Get immunization shots if needed.

Prepare a letter and prescription. The letter should explain what you need to do for your diabetes.  It should list insulin, syringes, and other medications or devices you use.  It should also list any allergies you have or any food or medication which you are sensitive to.  On the other hand, the prescription should include your insulin and pill doses, and how often these should be taken within a day.

Provide an ID Bracelet. Providing yourself with an identification bracelet or necklace which shows that you are a diabetic may be of help during an emergency.  if you’re leaving the country, it would also be helpful to say “I have diabetes!” and “Sugar or orange juice, please!” in the language or languages of the countries you’ll be visiting.

Hand-carry your medications. Your carry-on bag should be with you at all times.  Pack this bag with all your insulin vials and syringes, blood and urine testing supplies, other medications, and you diabetes identity card.

Watch what you eat or drink. If you are to travel by air, you can request a special meal low in sugar, fat or cholesterol.  If a request seems impossible, bring snacks, such as crackers, some form of sugar, candy or glucose tablets in case of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

Wear comfortable shoes. since traveling entails a lot of walking and sightseeing, take care of those feet by wearing comfortable shoes.  Always inspect your feet at the end of the day for any cuts, blisters and sores.  Get medical care at the first sign of infection or inflammation.

DON’TS:

Leave your medications. Even though you’re going to a place near where you’re staying, never forget to bring your medications and supplies.  You’ll never know when an emergency may occur

Eat or drink unfamiliar food and beverages. Ask for a list of ingredients for unfamiliar foods.  Some foods may upset your stomach and affect your diabetes control.  Avoid tap water overseas, as well as ice cubes made from tap water.

Stay under the sun for long hours. Avoid sunburn.  Use protective sunblock and sunscreen especially on the feet and legs.

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