7 travel tips for people with diabetes

7 travel tips for people with diabetes
People with diabetes (type I and type II) should plan their trip in advance so that they do not cause health problems.

  1. Hand luggage should include utensils and spare doses of insulin when traveling by plane and a doctor’s prescription with prescribed therapy (certified translation of this document for travel abroad). It should be borne in mind that not all airlines have the same rules, so further inquiries should be made. A small handbag with accessories and a spare dose of insulin should be kept on hand when traveling by car / van / bus. Insulin is kept in a portable refrigerator at +4 degrees Celsius (or in thermo bags with ice packs). Insulin loses its effectiveness if left frozen or left in the sun.
  2. Travel often has unexpected situations. Therefore, it is advisable to carry copies of prescriptions, phone numbers of the medical team and stockpiles of medicines for a minimum of 3 days. You should have a light meal because there can always be a traffic jam.
  3. Travel also means changes in your daily routine and glucose spikes / drops that are not typical of normal days. A person may need to spend a long time in a sitting position, or in the waiting room at the airport, or in a car – which leads to an increase in blood glucose levels. More frequent blood sugar measurements will help keep diabetes under control while traveling.
  4. The manufacturer of the insulin pump should be investigated and information on the effect of the X-ray scanner on the insulin pump should be collected. Radiation may damage the pump or invalidate the pump warranty. Most airport staff are familiar with the insulin pump but need to report it in advance to airport staff.
  5. Travel that involves changing time zones can have an impact on blood glucose levels, medication timing, and meal times. Therefore, you should seek medical advice on determining the right time to take your insulin / medication.
  6. Prolonged driving can cause unexpected changes in blood glucose levels. Drops and jumps in blood glucose levels can be minimized thanks to planning and preparation. Frequent breaks for easy and short walks are desirable. So count on an extra half hour to an hour for short breaks when planning a trip. Get enough fluids. Small and frequent meals will help keep blood glucose levels under control / normal.
  7. Pharmacy tip: Cinnamon spice is an excellent regulator of blood glucose levels. so you should bring a small jar of cinnamon. half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day is enough.

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