Traveling makes everyone dream! The best way to make sure you make the most of a getaway or vacation, and to leave with peace of mind, is good planning … especially when you’re living with diabetes.
Diabetes should not be a reason to stop traveling. However, some precautions are required to promote a pleasant and worry-free stay.
choice of destination
Hello! Hello! Hola! Regardless of the destination chosen, it is advisable to learn some words and expressions related to diabetes in the country visited language , such as “I have diabetes”, “Orange juice or sugar, please »,« Insulin »,« hypoglycemia », etc., in order to be able to communicate essentials in case of need.
Here are some things to consider depending on resort, the means of transportation used and travel tstyle.
1. The time is difference.
It may sometimes be necessary to adjust the drug treatment plan based on the time difference.
As a general rule, if it does not exceed 2 to 3 hours, the dosage remains unchanged. It is recommended to set your watch to local time only on arrival, or leave it as is.
A jet lag of more than 3 hours may require some adjustments to drugs dosage, particularly for insulin treatments. You should check with your family pharmacist or doctor before leaving.
In any case, it is advisable to monitor your blood sugar more closely during your stay.
2. Transportation and storage of medications, insulin and supplies for diabetes management.
It should always be kept in mind that changes in temperature or humidity can affect the stability of drugs, whether taken orally or by injection. It is important to inform yourself about how to keep medicines you take from your pharmacist, and to respect them.
After opening, insulin can tolerate an ambient temperature between 15 ° C and 30 ° C for a few weeks. The weeks number varies by brand; your pharmacist can tell you about it. Extreme temperatures are always to be avoided (do not leave insulin exposed to the sun in a car, nor cold in winter). It is possible to carry insulin in isothermal pouches. However, the bottles should not come into direct contact with refrigerated bags.
When traveling by plane, diabetic supplies such as syringes, insulin auto-injectors and pumps are allowed. In addition, insulin flasks and cooler bags that keep them cool are exempt from liquids restrictions, and quantities greater than 100 ml are allowed in carry-on baggage. It is advisable to keep your medications and supplies with you during transport.
3. daily activities.
4. diet.
5. Access to medical care.
