You might be wondering if it’s possible to travel when you have diabetes, and the answer is yes — with some careful planning and preparation.
It’s true that you’ll have more hurdles than the average traveller, both during the journey to your destination and during the holiday itself, but get ready for every scenario and you’ll be all set. Diabetes doesn’t have to stop you.
To kick-start the planning process, here are five potential problems and how you can avoid them.
1.The problem:
Travelling through several time zones muddles up your medication times.
The solution:
Once you know where you’ll be heading on holiday, meet with your diabetes consultant and plan the medication times for your trip. They’ll be able to help you keep to your existing schedule as much as possible, even with the time difference, which will reduce the risk of mix-ups and confusion.
(Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash)
2. The problem:
You need to declare your medication when you go through customs.
The solution:
First things first, ask your doctor if they can write a letter you can show to the customs officers. According to Insurancewith, this letter should include:
- The medications you are prescribed with.
- All the equipment you require.
- A list of all the medication and equipment you need to carry with you on the plane, and why you need them.
- Contact details for your doctor and consultant back home.
For more tips on travelling with diabetes, check out their step-by-step guide.
You must also take care to keep your medication clearly labelled and in its original packaging, complete with prescription. It’s worth learning what your medication is called in your destination, just in case it’s a different name — this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of confusion.
3. The problem:
You’re worried your medication might get lost or damaged.
The solution:
Carry double the amount of medication you think you’ll need, as well as spare equipment, and keep it in your hand luggage so you have it with you at all times. Diabetes.co.uk have all the advice you need about travelling with diabetes supplies.
(Photo by Rebe Adelaida on Unsplash)
4. The problem:
Irregular meal times and questionable airline food.
The solution:
Plan your meals and stock up on snacks.
Many airlines offer a diabetes-friendly meal, but these aren’t always as nutritionally balanced as you might like, so it’s worth buying some snacks at the airport (or preparing them a day in advance). Healthy foods like nuts, seeds, dried or fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches will all keep you going.
Want more snack ideas? Check out this list of diabetes-friendly foods for inspiration.
Snacks will also be useful when you’re on your holiday — find a local supermarket and stock up in preparation. Try and eat at similar times each day, and research the restaurants in your resort so you’re never too far from food.
5. The problem:
The hot climate could have a negative effect on you and your medication.
The solution:
Hot weather can make you feel exhausted and dehydrated, which in turn can change your blood glucose levels. Be sure to monitor them on a regular basis and act accordingly.
The hot weather can also alter your insulin supplies. Make sure your it’s kept away from direct sunlight — cool bags and refrigerators are the best places to store it. Equipment like test strips should be kept at room temperature.
