Glucose Control: Benefits | Dangers | Testing | Diet | Exercise | Special Times | Tips

Glucose Control - Special Times Stress | Sickness | At Work | In Travel | Working with your health care team | Obstacles to good self-care

In Travel

There is no reason why people with diabetes shouldn’t take trips and vacations just like anyone else. It just requires a little extra planning.

Trips often hold surprises, delays and changes that can affect what you eat, when you eat, when you monitor your blood glucose levels, and the amount of physical activity you engage in. This is especially true if you are traveling to a different time zone. So, before your trip, talk to your doctor and diabetes educator to plan your timing for medication, testing, food, and activity.

While you're traveling, think about your regular daily schedule, and try to stick to it as closely as possible. For example, if you usually test your blood sugar at noon and then eat lunch, plan to do this on your trip. Don't change your watch while you are traveling to your destination, so it will correspond to your normal schedule. That will make it easier to determine if there are undue delays between meals, doses, etc. Do change your watch to local time after you have arrived.

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Identification

It's a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor with you, explaining that you have diabetes. You might also want to wear a diabetes identification tag or bracelet, and carry a card in your wallet that describes your medication needs and has your doctor's name and phone number.

If you will be flying, new security restrictions from the Federal Aviation Administration have specific requirements for passengers who need to take supplies such as syringes and lancets on an airplane. (See box)

Traveling with Insulin, Syringes, Lancets You may carry syringes or other insulin delivery devices only if you have a vial of insulin with the original pre-printed label from the pharmacy and/or pharmaceutical company that clearly identifies the medicine. Since the prescription label is usually on the outside of the box containing the vial of insulin, FAA recommends that you keep this box with the vial. You may carry lancets for your glucose meter as long as they are capped and you also have a glucose meter with the manufacturer's name embossed on it. Keep your glucagon in its pre-printed labeled plastic container or box. Sources: FAA, ADA announcements, October 2001

Check with your airline at least a day before your flight to verify their policy about traveling with syringes and other medical supplies. If you have a problem with your supplies at the airport, ask to speak with the FAA grounds security personnel, who should be able to help resolve any questions.

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Medications and supplies

Keep your medications with you in your carry-on luggage. It's not a good idea to put medication in checked baggage, since that can get lost. Be sure to take along all the medication and supplies you'll need. If you use insulin and are traveling outside the U.S., carry enough U-100 syringes to last the entire trip. While these are standard in the U.S., many countries use U-40 and U-80 syringes. You may also want to have a prescription with you, so you won't have problems getting insulin or supplies if you need them. Be sure you have enough of your regular glucose testing strips, since those available overseas may give blood glucose readings in units that are different from those used here.

As always, carry glucose tablets or gel to treat any episodes of hypoglycemia. Take along your glucagon, and make sure your traveling companion(s) know how to use it. If you are traveling as part of a tour group, talk to the tour guide or director about your condition and make sure they know how to use glucagon if needed.

You may want to consider buying special insulated bags to carry your insulin in to keep it from freezing or getting too hot. Although insulin will remain stable up to 130° F, it's best to keep it away from places that get very hot, such as by a window or in the car's glove compartment during hot weather. It should not be frozen, either.

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Adjusting your dose

If you are traveling long distances to the east or west, you'll be changing time zones and may need to change your insulin routine. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator before your trip about adjusting the timing and dose of your insulin. Regardless of distance, be extra vigilant about monitoring your glucose levels and making adjustments as needed.

The timing of oral medications is not as critical as insulin; continue to take your pills at the normal times, using local time at your destination.

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Eating

Keep snacks with you that can be used to prevent hypoglycemia - things like cracker packs and small cans of juice. Drink plenty of water. You may be eating most or all of your meals in restaurants - don't let that become an excuse to ignore your meal plan. Keep track of your nutrition just as you would at home.

Most airlines serve special meals for people with diabetes. Call a few days ahead to arrange for that. Ask the on-board airline personnel what time the meal will be served, so you'll know when to have your insulin shot and whether to have a snack because the meal will be later than your normal schedule.

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Physical activity

You may be getting more exercise than usual, as you walk around sightseeing, etc. Adjust your snacks and your insulin dose to accommodate the extra exercise. Also be mindful of your feet - try to avoid blisters and get medical attention at the first sign of any foot infection.