Do these things to make the trip more enjoyable for people with diabetes!

by Specialist

When you have diabetes, be sure to plan ahead of your vacation or business trip, as what you eat, your activity level, and changes in time zones can all affect blood sugar levels. Here are some tips to make travel easier.

Before you go

  • Discuss travel plans with your doctor at the time of your visit.

  • Prepare twice the usual supply of medication needed for the trip and bring materials from your doctor that indicate you have diabetes.

  • If vaccinations are needed, get them 3-4 weeks before your trip. Some of the ingredients in these vaccines may affect blood sugar levels.

  • Be well prepared and know which health care providers you can see in the area you are traveling.

What should I bring?

  • Bring a list of medications to use and keep them with you at all times.

  • Carry and wear a medical ID for having diabetes.

  • Put your medications, syringes, and blood glucose testing supplies in your carry-on luggage. However, do not put them in your checked baggage in case the airline loses it. In addition, the cargo hold is not well heated or insulated, which can damage medications and supplies.

  • Bring enough medications and supplies in case you are stranded or stay too long. If traveling with a friend, ask if he can help carry some of them.

  • Take hard candy, snacks, or glucose gels with you at all times in case your blood sugar drops too low.

  • Let the airline, cruise ship, and tour guide know in advance that you have diabetes.

  • Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace for diabetes.

    • At the airport

    To get through airport security, try the following.

    • Be sure to tell security that you have diabetes and that you are carrying medical supplies. You can take them through security, but these medical supplies should have a prescription label on them.

    • All supplies should have the proper manufacturer label.

    • Security will allow syringes if insulin is being carried.

    • If an insulin pump is worn, security must be informed. They will inspect the device and must ask them not to remove the insulin pump.

    Injecting insulin

    If traveling by air and insulin needs to be injected during the flight, follow these routines: Because the pressure on the airplane is different from the pressure on the ground, half of the air normally injected into the insulin vial needs to be injected into the insulin vial. time zone changes of 2 hours or more may mean that the injection schedule needs to be changed. Please consult your doctor for special instructions.

    Keep insulin between 0.56 and 26.7°C and do not freeze or store it in the sun.

    Foot care on the go

    Follow these tips to keep your feet healthy when you’re out and about.

    • Pack at least two pairs of shoes so you can change them often to help prevent blisters and pressure points.

    • Pack comfortable shoes, socks and a first aid kit for minor foot injuries.

    • Don’t go barefoot. Instead, wear shoes made specifically for walking in saltwater or on the beach. Always protect your feet when walking by the pool, in the park, on the beach, or when swimming in the ocean.

    • Do not wear open-toed shoes, including sandals and flip-flops. If your toes are not protected, you can increase the risk of injury.

    • Follow daily foot care recommendations.

    How do I handle an emergency abroad?

    If you have an emergency abroad and don’t know where to go for help, go to the Chinese consulate, the Red Cross, or your local medical school. Try some useful phrases in the local language, such as “I need help” or “I have diabetes, where is the hospital?” or “I need sugar”.

    If you can speak English and need to seek medical help, you can turn to the International Association of Medical Assistance for Travelers (IAMAT), which can be reached by calling 716-7544883.