By: Bertil Hjert
People with diabetes often face a lot of problems while traveling. This is because they are unable to cope up with the complications of the disease.
You need to take special care of your health, especially if you are diabetic. Here are some special tips you can follow in order to keep track on your diabetes while traveling:
a) Planning ahead:
You deserve to enjoy your trip. Hence, if you want to travel with diabetes, you must plan ahead very carefully. You must have heard many stories related to lost luggage or encountering a natural disaster.
It is true that you cannot avoid these disasters, it is necessary to prepare yourself before you actually leave. This will save you from encountering undue stress. Make sure that you inform your agents about your health condition.
Thereafter, you need to look for specific requirements that are required for a patient with diabetes to take along. This will let you plan all your needs. Any missed connection can easily run even the best holiday trip of yours.
b) Plan to visit your physician:
It would be a wise idea to visit your doctor for a check-up. This should be done several weeks prior to leaving for the trip actually. Try to discuss your case with the diabetes health care team.
Let your health care practitioner decide a meal plan and medicines for you. Ask about certain specific medications you require for the trip. Make sure that all you necessary vaccinations is done at least four weeks prior to your visit. This will let you deal with all possible side effects.
It is very important for you to ask for a special prescription required by you for the trip. The prescription should include insulin and oral medications. Also try to take insulin and record the types of insulin that would be required. You must carry a copy with you 24x7.
Remember that some countries may ask you for written documents from your health care practitioner stating that you can may carry these medicines. There would be problems especially in taking along syringes and needles in some countries.
c) Management tips:
Ask your health care practitioner about what should be done if your health gets disturbed while on the trip. It is normal to experience some kind of motion sickness. It is advised to take some liquids, preferably in the form of fluids. You require to test your blood glucose level in every two or four hours.
d) Identification:
You should take identification with you round the clock that describes your condition. This will be of great in case of an emergency. You should get a MedicAlert™ bracelet or necklace describing that you have diabetes.
e) Travel insurance:
This would be an excellent idea.
f) Pack wisely:
Don't forget any of your medicines and diabetes supplies. Pack them in more than one place. This way you would not face problems in case your luggage gets lost. Take food, water, sun-block, walking shoes and medication for diarrhea and nausea.
Follow the above mentioned tips and you would be able to combat complications related to diabetes that may strike you on the trip.
