21 tips for diabetics to travel the world

Eating at the wrong time, unfamiliar foods, being more active than usual, and different time zones can all affect diabetes management.

1. Visit the doctor for a health check before the trip. Be sure to ask your doctor the following:
Effects and remedies while traveling with diabetes. How to adjust insulin dose if traveling to a country with a different time zone. Ask your doctor to prescribe more medicine or provide a prescription in case you lose or run out of medicine. If you will need any vaccines. Write a letter that says you have diabetes and need more medical help. 2. In case, the location of pharmacies and clinics near your place is closed.
3. Get a Medical ID bracelet that says you have diabetes and other health conditions.
4. Get travel insurance in case you miss your flight or need medical attention.
5. Order a special flight meal that fits into your meal plan, or a meal you prepare yourself.
6. Packing:
Put your diabetes medications in a carry-on bag (insulin can get too cold in your checked baggage). Think about carrying a smaller bag with you to make room for insulin, glucose, and snacks. Bring double the amount of medicine you think you will need. Carry medications in pharmaceutical bottles, or ask your pharmacist to print additional drug labels that can be attached to a plastic bag. Be sure to pack healthy snacks, like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. 7. Airport security:
Get an optional TSA notification card to make the screening process faster and smoother. Good news: people with diabetes are exempt from the 3.4 oz. liquid regulations for drugs; Fast-acting carbs like juice and ice gel to keep insulin at the proper cold temperature. A glucose monitor or a continuous insulin pump may fail while passing through the X-ray machine. So ask for alternative tests.

8. If driving, bring healthy food and plenty of cooled water to drink.
9. Do not leave insulin or diabetes medications in the sun or in a hot car; keep them cool. Do not place insulin directly on ice or gel ice.
10. Heat can also damage blood sugar monitors, insulin pumps, and other diabetes devices. Do not leave them in a hot car, by the pool, in the sun, or on the beach. The same goes for medical items like test strips.
11. You can find healthy food options at the airport or a roadside restaurant:
Fruits, nuts, bread, yogurt Salad with chicken or fish (skip dried fruit and toast) Eggs and omelets Hamburgers with a packet of lettuce instead of other sandwiches. Fajitas (skip the cornmeal and rice). 12. Stop and get out of your car or walk down the aisle on an airplane or train every 1-2 hours to prevent blood clots (people with diabetes are at higher risk).
13. Set an alarm on your phone to take your medicine if you're traveling across a different time zone.

14. Blood sugar may be out of your target range at first, but your body will adjust in a few days. Check blood sugar regularly and treat high or low levels as directed by your doctor or other diabetes care professionals.
15. If more active than usual, check blood sugar before and after meals, adjust diet, travel activities and insulin as needed.
16. Food is the biggest temptation on a trip. Avoid the huge buffet, and instead order a spa menu (healthier option) or low-carb menu (most trains have it) or order delicious food that's appropriate for your health and wellness needs. your taste from 24 hour room service.
17. Do not engage in too much physical activity during the hot part of the day. Avoid sunburn and do not go barefoot, not even to the beach.
18. High temperatures can change the way your body uses insulin. You may need to check your blood sugar more often and adjust your insulin dose and diet.
19. You may have some problems managing your diabetes, especially in another country. Learn some helpful phrases that might help, such as “I have diabetes” and “where is the nearest pharmacy”?
20. If the weather is nice on your vacation, bring wet wipes to clean your hands before checking your blood sugar.

Diabetes can make everyday life and travel more difficult, but it shouldn't be a reason you can't hang out. The more you plan ahead, the more you can relax and enjoy all the fun experiences on your trip.

Article referenced source: Cdc.gov