Being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean you cannot travel safely to any destination of your choice. It simply means you must take a few extra precautions and spend a little more time preparing for your trip. Speak with your doctor about any concerns he has about your diabetes or health before you book your trip, and pay attention to the health of your skin and feet in addition to your blood sugar while you are traveling.
Step 1
Visit your doctor and get any immunization shots at least one month before you plan to travel. This gives your doctor time to begin treatment for any problems or make medication adjustments and enables you to recover from any side effects associated with your immunizations. Illness can make managing your blood sugar difficult.
Step 2
Fill your prescriptions before leaving, making sure you have enough medication to last the entire trip. Also, make sure your doctor gives you a back-up prescription in case something happens to your insulin or diabetes pills, and get a letter from your doctor describing your treatment in detail. Have this letter translated into a second language if you plan to travel to a region where English is not well understood.
Step 3
Learn how to say "diabetes" and the names of your medications in the language of the country you are visiting. Also, practice saying other important terms before leaving, such as "a glass of orange juice, please" or "need medical attention."
Step 4
Wear a medical alert bracelet at all times while traveling that lists your diagnosis and all medications you are currently taking.
Step 5
Carry your blood testing supplies and medication with you wherever you go. Do not check it in your luggage and do not leave it in your hotel if you plan to be away for more than a few minutes.
Step 6
Request diabetes-friendly meals when flying and never rely on airlines, hotels, restaurants or other organizations to feed you in a timely fashion. Always carry some food with you in case of emergency.
Step 7
Buy new syringes at your destination if you must also purchase and use insulin from that location. Dosing may be different and cause overdose.
Step 8
Mind time changes when scheduling meals and medication dosages. Remain on home time throughout the first day of your trip, and then use caution when adjusting.
Step 9
Drink plenty of fluid, especially if you are spending a lot of time outdoors in warm temperatures. Diabetes makes it more difficult for your body to handle humidity and heat, and heat can affect blood sugar levels and insulin absorption, warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Step 10
Check your blood sugar levels frequently when traveling. Different foods and activity levels can unbalance your glucose and put you at risk for hyper or hypoglycemic episodes.
