Traveling with diabetes
Staying at home because of diabetes? And miss that wonderful holiday? With extra preparation that is not necessary!
When traveling far, it is useful to take a good supply of insulin, tablets, test strips, grape sugar and glucagon with you. It is not always possible to obtain the necessary medicines and materials abroad.
Double quantity
It is best to take double the amount with you compared to at home. Also think of batteries for the blood glucose meter and a spare pen.
When traveling by plane, you can inform the airline in advance about what you can and cannot take with you in your hand luggage. A diabetes pass, a medical certificate, can prevent problems at customs. You can request this at the pharmacy.
Time zones
When you travel by air, it is very possible that there will be changes in meal and activity patterns. This is partly due to the different time zones, which can influence the blood glucose in this way.
Traveling west will include a meal and an injection of rapid-acting insulin. If you travel east, a meal will be lost. Sometimes it is possible to reserve special meals for diabetics on the plane.
It is best to adapt to the rhythm of the holiday country as quickly as possible. Consult with the doctor or diabetes nurse two weeks before departure when additional measurements can best be performed. Also discuss what to do if you have abnormal blood glucose levels.Different rhythm of life
During your vacation, a lot of things can be different than usual. On a holiday in the sun you may be less stressed than at home. Or maybe you are more active.
The temperature can also differ. During your holiday in a warm destination, you are often exposed to the sun. Then be aware of the lower blood glucose levels. On the other hand, a holiday in a colder place will reduce the absorption of insulin.
You can also change your eating pattern. Many people drink more alcohol on holiday and you eat different food than you are used to. Consult with your doctor in advance about the circumstances in the holiday country. Check your blood glucose levels regularly on site.
Tips
- Insulin is best kept cool in a cooler bag, between towels or in a thermos.
- Carry a statement in the language of the holiday country. Include that you have diabetes and how people can help you in an emergency.
- Also put a spare set of medicines in the hand luggage of fellow travel companions. If something happens to your own hand luggage, you will still have medicines at hand.
- Keep carbohydrates in your hand luggage, cookies or something similar. If the trip takes longer than planned, you still have something to eat.
