It’s that time of the year again, the holidays! Whether you are travelling for business, visiting family, or taking that last-minute getaway, you need to be ready for potential emergencies as diabetes does not take any days off. While nothing can guarantee problem-free travel, personal preparedness and awareness can reduce stress when incidents occur. Bearing that in mind, allow plenty of time to travel and consider these few tips:
- Carry information detailing your chronic disease. Ask your doctor for a letter alerting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) you have diabetes. This establishes your need to wear an insulin pump/CGMS if applicable, carry insulin, syringes, test strips, and other supplies. You can also wear a diabetes medical alert bracelet or chain (a diabetes identity card will also do) and, if flying, notify a flight attendant that you are diabetic.
- Keep your medication organized. Ensure all pill bottles and insulin vials have a pharmacy label on them. Place all medication in carry-on luggage. This way, if your checked-in luggage is lost or delayed, you’ll still have your medications and all the supplies needed for diabetes care. If flying, remember to pack your meter, test strips, syringes and insulin, alcohol wipes or small packs of wet wipes, snacks, and fast-acting glucose in a smaller pack that can be stored under the seat in front of you for easy access.
- Travel in comfort. Wear comfortable shoes and socks at all times. Sitting for extended periods of time may result in muscle cramps and swelling of the feet and ankles, which could place you at an increased risk for blood clots. To help prevent this issue, if travelling by car, make routine stops at rest areas, leave the vehicle, and walk to stretch your legs. During flights, pointing and flexing your ankle as often as possible will promote circulation and reduce swelling.
- Account for time zone effects. Remember that eastward travel means a shorter day. If you inject insulin, less may be needed. Westward travel means a longer day, so more insulin may be needed. Discuss your options with your physician before your trip.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has also compiled a list of packing tips:
Whether you travel by car, plane, boat, bike, or foot, you'll want to keep a "carry-on" bag with you at all times. Pack this bag with:
- Twice as much medical supply needed for your length of stay
- All the insulin and syringes you will need for the trip
- Blood and urine testing supplies (include extra batteries for your glucose meter)
- All oral medications (an extra supply is a good idea)
- Other medications or medical supplies such as glucagon, anti-diarrhea medication, antibiotic ointment, and anti-nausea drugs
- Your ID and diabetes identity card
- A well-wrapped, airtight snack pack of crackers or cheese, peanut butter, fruit, a juice box, and some form of sugar (hard candy or glucose tablets) to treat low blood glucose
To keep track of shots and meals through changing time zones, keep your watch on your home time zone until the morning after you arrive.
Additionally, if traveling abroad be sure to:
- Learn how to say “I have diabetes,” “sugar,” and “orange juice, please” in the language of the country you are visiting.
- If you need to get more insulin locally, seek medical advice as strengths may be different.
- To be prepared for any medical emergency, it’s a good idea to get a list of local English-speaking doctors in region you are visiting. This information is available through the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers at www.iamat.org. If you have a medical emergency and do not have this list, contact the American Consulate or American express for help.
Remember, a diabetes educator can help you plan your trip. For more information, visit www.diabeteseducator.org.
Have a happy and safe holiday season!
Grace Akoh-Arrey Pharm.D, CDE, BCACP, FAzPA