Advice on Planning a Trip if You are Diabetic

It is always smart to plan ahead before going on a trip, weather camping or cruising or traveling to a different state. Planning is especially important for people who are diabetic.

If you plan on going on for a long trip, having a medical exam may be a good idea before you go, to make sure you diabetes is under control. Get immunization shots -- if you need them -- at least one month before you leave.

Before you leave for a trip, get the appropriate papers from your doctor, a letter and a prescription. The letter should explain what you need to do for your diabetes, such as take diabetes pills or insulin shots. The letter should also mention any type of allergies you may have as well.

The prescription should be for insulin or diabetes medications. You should have more than enough insulin and syringes or pills to last through the trip along with your glucose monitor and other diabetic testing supplies. But the prescription may help in case of emergency. In the United States, prescription rules may vary from state to state.

The prescription laws may be very different in other countries. If you're going out of the country, write for a list of International Diabetes Federation groups. Write to: IDF, 1 rue Defaeqz, B-1000, Belgium (www.idf.org).

You may want to get a list of English-speaking foreign doctors from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT), 1623 Military Road, #279, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 (www.iamat.org). IAMAT can be reached at 716-754 4883. If an emergency occurs while you're traveling and you don't have such a list, contact the American Consulate, American Express, or local medical schools for a list of doctors.

Eating on an Airplane

Storing Insulin

Changing Time Zones

If you are going to traveling in a different time zone or country, talk to your doctor about if you need to make any changes on the timing of your insulin injections. Remember: eastward travel means a shorter day. If you inject insulin, less may be needed. Westward travel means a longer day, so more insulin may be needed. To keep track of shots and meals through changing time zones, keep your watch on your home time zone until the morning after you arrive.

If you inject insulin while in flight, frequent travelers suggest you be careful not to inject air into the insulin bottle. In the pressurized cabin, pressure differences can cause the plunger to "fight you." This can make it hard to measure insulin accurately.
After a long flight, take it easy for a few days. Check your blood glucose often. If you take insulin, plan your activities so you can work in your insulin and meals. If you are more active than usual, your blood glucose could go too low. Take along snacks when hiking or sightseeing. Don't assume you will be able to find food wherever you are.
Avoid tap water overseas. This includes ice cubes made from tap water. Ask for a list of ingredients for unfamiliar foods. Some foods may upset your stomach and hurt your diabetes control. But you will also find foods that give you a healthy taste of culture.

Wear comfortable othopedic shoes and never go barefoot. Check your feet every day. You should look for blisters, cuts, redness, swelling, and scratches. Get medical care at the first sign of infection or inflammation.