Travelling and Diabetes: How you can ensure a safe ride!
Travelling may affect meal time, time zone, changes to physical activity schedules and interaction with unfamiliar foods.
But having diabetes should not hinder your travel when you plan well to cover your health needs.
It is important to ensure that you maintain the diabetes management plan as best as you can.
This can be achieved by adopting key tips before you travel, during and after travel.
- Before travel
Before travelling, ensure that you are up to date with any visits or consultations with you healthcare provider. Your doctor will advise you on the eating pattern and time zone of your destination.
Always ensure you pack all your diabetes supplies (advisably in excess) such as medication, glucometer, insulin, test strips, syringes etc. and energy foods such as snacks, sweets and other fast acting sugar drinks and plenty of water.
You can carry your tag or health card to ensure that you are allowed to get through security at the airport (when travelling via air). Also ensure you have your health insurance documents.
Furthermore ensure you communicate to avoid interference of inspection tools with machines such as insulin pumps and glucose monitors.
- During travel
You can use a cooler to keep your drinks cold.
Additionally, keep your insulin and other medication in proper bags to prevent interferences such as temperature changes.
Also have adequate food to avoid resorting to inconvenient foods. In case you need to restock your food supply or stop to eat at a restaurant, make proper food choices such as eggs, chicken, salads, fruits, yoghurt and other low carb and foods rich in protein.
Always ensure you keep yourself hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the trip.
Also ensure you use proper storage for your medicines. Do not store medicine and insulin in a hot environment. Too much heat may also affect your blood sugar monitors.
For long road trips, it is important to take breaks along the way and move around. You can also move around during flights to stay active and allow normal circulation to your limbs.
Always ensure you wear comfortable shoes to avoid any strains.
Ensure you keep your medication schedule you can set reminders.
- When you arrive
Ensure you check your blood sugar level to help you know how you would get it back within the normal range.
Eat food in moderation including choices and especially when you get new food items. Target moderation of both portions of food and type.
Always be keen on the weather to watch out for heat, temperatures to help you manage dehydration.
Ensure you take care of your feet to avoid injuries that may take longer time to heal.
After a long travel, ensure you rest well.
Always seek medical care at the first sign of any infection or injury.
