Having diabetes means planning ahead for trips and vacations, not limiting your travels.
Steps for a Safe and Carefree Journey
- Wear your identification bracelet/necklace and carry an ID card with your name, your doctor's name and phone number and your current medications.
- Carry your medicines and supplies with you instead of in checked baggage.
- Carry a letter from your doctor stating your medical needs and concerns.
- Carry recent prescriptions for medicines and supplies, or carry items in their package that include a pharmacy prescription label.
- Receive any pre-trip vaccinations early to prevent unexpected reactions from ruining your trip.
- Obtain medication to treat nausea and diarrhea for emergencies.
- Test your blood glucose regularly.
- Take more than enough insulin, oral medication, or other medicines to last the entire trip.
- Keep your insulin and blood glucose test strips from getting too hot or too cold. (If you are comfortable, then your supplies generally will be fine.)
- Always carry insulin, testing materials, snacks, and low glucose treatments. Also carry something more substantial in case of meal delays (cheese and crackers, peanut butter or cold cut sandwich, etc.).
- Follow your normal daily schedule as well as you can (including medicines, meals, snacks, activity, and sleep).
- When changing time zones, try to stick to your regular schedule, with meals about 4-5 hours apart. Gradually make adjustments to new time zones.
Learn where and how to get medical care at your destination before you leave home.
This content is based on Dr Ragnar Hanas' helpful book, Type 1 Diabetes in children, adolescents and young adults. Click here to order copies of Dr Hanas' book online.