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TRAVELING WITH DIABETES.
Diabetics can travel anywhere with a little planning ahead. Keep these points in mind when planning your trip so you'll enjoy the pleasures of travel.
A MONTH BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
Make an appointment with your doctor for a check up. Ask your doctor the procedure for self administration of an insulin injection on an airplane as pressurized cabins may mean you need to modify your normal method. Also, ask what should be done about following your medication schedule when changing time zones.
Get an extra prescription for each of your medications.
Have your doctor write a letter explaining that you are diabetic, outlining your treatment, medications, supplies, devices used, and any allergies or special instructions.
Get any immunization shots needed.
PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP:
Pack twice as many medications and diabetic supplies as you think you'll require. If you're traveling by airplane, place these in your carry-on bag. When arriving at your destination, put half in a bag you keep with you, and half in your suitcase. If you're traveling with a companion, have them carry some of your diabetic supplies in case you misplace yours.
Pack your insulin in a special insulin travel bag that keeps it cool. Insulin travel bags can be purchased from diabetic and medical supply stores.
Pack the extra prescriptions from your doctor and a list of your medications.
Pack the letter from your doctor.
Pack glucose, hard candy, or some other sugar source food to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Pack a healthy emergency snack pack so you don't skip a meal.
Pack a medical alert information card and be sure to wear your medical alert bracelet. Be sure to update your emergency contact information before leaving.
Pack (and wear) comfortable, well-fitting shoes to avoid blisters.
IF YOU’RE TRAVELING BY AIR:
When making your airline (or cruise ship) reservations, request a diabetic meal. Don't take your medications until you have the food on the tray in front of you to ensure you don't get low blood sugar. If the flight does not have meal service, take suitable food in your carry-on bag.
Contact the airport for special requirements for diabetics traveling with syringes, devices, and medications.
Get to the airport two to three hours before departure.
Notify the officers at security check points that you are carrying medical supplies. Your prescriptions MUST be in the original container and have a prescription label on them. All supplies MUST have a certified manufacturer's label on them. Pack your medical supplies in a clear bag in your carry-on luggage. (Syringes are only allowed onto a plane if you are also carrying insulin.)
ALWAYS request a visual inspection instead of walking through the metal detector or being cleared with a hand wand.
AFTER YOU’VE ARRIVED:
Check your blood sugar often.
Remember to organize for meals and insulin injections.
Follow general traveling guidelines such as avoiding tap water in certain places.
TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY:
If intending to leave the country, contact The International Diabetes Federation at (www.idf.org) for medication and prescription laws and special information for diabetics.
Contact The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (www.iamat.org) before you leave to find out what to do if an emergency happens and you need a diabetic doctor who speaks your native language.
Teach yourself important phrases in the language of where you are going. For example, "I am diabetic," "I need sugar," or "I need a hospital." Write these phrases on a card and keep it with you. If you can't pronounce the phrases correctly, they will be easily read by someone who speaks the language.
Traveling with diabetes isn't too complicated - if you prepare yourself. Don't let your diabetes stand in the way of your travels.
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