Diabetes Management, Traveling With Diabetes! How To Make it Easy!

traveling with diabetes

Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer and stroke.

Diabetes affects the manner in which the body handles digested carbohydrates. If neglected, diabetes can cause serious health complications, ranging from heart disease to blindness, kidney failure to foot ulcers. Approximately 8% of the population in the United States has diabetes. This means that approximately 20.8 million people have been diagnosed with Diabetes 1 and 2, and 41 million with pre-diabetes, based only on national statistics. About 800,000 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed each year. traveling with diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association estimates that diabetes accounts for 178,000 deaths, 54,000 amputees, and 12,000-24,000 cases of blindness annually. Blindness is 25 times more common among diabetic patients compared to nondiabetics. It is proposed that by the year 2010, diabetes will exceed both heart disease and cancer as the leading cause of death through its many complications.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people with diabetics:

Three out of four diabetes-related deaths are caused by heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. People with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to have heart disease than persons without diabetes. Even people with type 2 diabetes who do not have heart disease have an increased risk of having a heart attack. People with diabetes also tend to have other risk factors for heart disease including obesity, high blood pressure, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Hopefully,

if you’re diagnosed with pre-diabetes or Type 2, you’ll be sent to a nutritionist. He or she can tell you what to eat and what not to eat, and also when to eat it or not eat it. It can be confusing to try to figure out how to manage a diet when a diabetic diet is not just about food. Timing is important, too.

Meals should be eaten at close to the same time every day.
Meals should also be about the same size every day, or as close as you can manage it.
There are rules about fats and carbohydrates as well.
Meals should be balanced so that the same healthy proportions of carbs and fats are eaten every day.
If you work closely with the nutritionist, he or she will work with you to plan your meals to your liking and to your lifestyle.
And if it’s something that fits, you’ll more likely stay on it for the long haul.

What should You do to stay healthy with diabetes?

Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietician have worked out. Eat your meals and snacks at around the same time every day.
Be active, exercise 30 to 45 minutes every day. Ask your doctor what is best for you.
Take your diabetes medication at the same time every day.
Check your blood sugar every day. Each time you check your blood sugar, write down the number in your record book. Call your doctor if the numbers are too high for 2 to 3 days.
Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, sores, redness, sore toenails, or swelling.
Brush and floss your teeth and gums every day.
Don’t smoke.

Your daily blood sugar ranges should be 90-130 mg/dl for fasting and before meals, and less than 180 mg/dl two hours after the start of a meal. It’s very important to test your blood sugar regularly.

There are Four types of Diabetes:

I. Type 1 Diabetes:

Usually first develops in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this type of diabetes, the cells of the pancreas stop making insulin because the body has attacked or destroyed these cells. Once a patient has type 1 diabetes, it does not go away.

II. Gestational Diabetes:

It can occur during the late stages of pregnancy but usually goes away after the baby is born. Women who have had this type of diabetes are more likely to get type 2 diabetes later in life.

III. Pre-Diabetes Is:

A condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but are not as high as in diabetes. This condition increases the risk of getting diabetes. Fortunately, you can reduce that risk with modest weight loss and physical activity.

IV. Type 2 Diabetes is:

the most common form of diabetes and can develop at any age. In this type of diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin that the body makes does not work the way that it should; the body may also keep making sugar even though it does not need it. Once a person has type 2 diabetes, it does not go away.

Finding out that you have diabetes can be upsetting—and type 2 diabetes is serious—but if you take an active role in managing the disease, you will be on the road to better health.

Now, Let’s Talk About Traveling With Diabetes And How to Make it Easy?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make enough of the hormone insulin or can’t use insulin properly. It is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. This is because your pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin, or not enough insulin, to help glucose enter your body’s cells, or the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).

When traveling with Diabetes Mellitus,

You must have an action plan, to help others in the plane, train, car, etc. to know what to do when a problem arises. Having diabetes is a big responsibility. Making sure that you are safe as well as the individuals traveling with you. It is best to carry a tight schedule of your medications as well as your testing. Keeping a watchful eye on the sugar levels is always a plus when traveling as well as at home.

When traveling sugar levels can drop often rapidly; since people often eat only small meals while traveling this causes problems with diabetes. The fact that people aren’t active and are under stress when they travel; could make a major turn and give elevated sugar levels instead of low ones these levels are just as important as the low readings.

Here’s The Strategic Plan When Traveling With Diabetes:

Traveling with diabetes requires preparation both before and during your trip. Here are a group of tips to help you make sure your diabetes doesn’t interfere with the pleasures of travel.

A. Before You Go:

Traveling to new places gets you out of your routine—that’s a big part of the fun. But delayed meals, unfamiliar food, being more active than usual, and different time zones can all disrupt diabetes management. Plan ahead so you can count on more fun and less worry on the way and when you get to your destination.

I. Visit your doctor for a checkup to ensure you’re fit for the trip. Make sure to ask your doctor:

How your planned activities could affect your diabetes and what to do about it.
How to adjust your insulin doses if you’re traveling to a different time zone.
To provide prescriptions for your medicines in case you lose them or run out.
If you’ll need any vaccines.
To write a letter stating that you have diabetes and why you need your medical supplies.
Just in case, locate pharmacies and clinics close to where you’re staying.
Get a medical ID bracelet that states you have diabetes and any other health conditions.
Get travel insurance in case you miss your flight or need medical care.
Order a special meal for the flight that fits with your meal plan, or pack your own.

II. Packing:

Put your diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag (insulin could get too cold in your checked luggage). Think about bringing a smaller bag to have at your seat for insulin, glucose tablets, and snacks.
Pack twice as much medicine as you think you’ll need. Carry medicines in the pharmacy bottles they came in, or ask your pharmacist to print out extra labels you can attach to plastic bags.
Be sure to pack healthy snacks, like fruit, raw veggies, and nuts.

III. Airport security:

Get an optional TSA to help the screening process go more quickly and smoothly.
Good news: people with diabetes are exempt from the 3.4 oz. the liquid rule for medicines, fast-acting carbs like juice, and gel packs to keep insulin cool.
A continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump could be damaged going through the X-ray machine. You don’t have to disconnect from either; ask for a hand inspection instead.

B. While You’re Traveling:

If you’re driving, pack a cooler with healthy foods and plenty of water to drink.
Don’t store insulin or diabetes medicine in direct sunlight or in a hot car; keep them in the cooler too. Don’t put insulin directly on ice or a gel pack.
Heat can also damage your blood sugar monitor, insulin pump, and other diabetes equipment. Don’t leave them in a hot car, by a pool, in direct sunlight, or on the beach. The same goes for supplies such as test strips.
You can find healthy food options at the airport or a roadside restaurant:
- Fruit, nuts, sandwiches, yogurt.
- Salads with chicken or fish (skip the dried fruit and croutons).
- Eggs and omelets.
- Burgers with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
- Fajitas (skip the tortillas and rice).
- Stop and get out of the car or walk up and down the aisle of the plane or train every hour or two to prevent blood clots (people with diabetes are at higher risk).
- Set an alarm on your phone for taking medicine if you’re traveling across time zones.

Once You’re There:

Your blood sugar may be out of your target range at first, but your body should adjust in a few days. Check your blood sugar often and treat highs or lows as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator.
If you’re going to be more active than usual, check your blood sugar before and after and make adjustments to food, activity, and insulin as needed.
Food is a huge highlight (and temptation!) on a cruise. Avoid the giant buffet, and instead, order off the spa menu (healthier choices) or low-carb menu (most ships have one) or order something tasty that fits in your meal plan from the 24-hour room service.
Don’t overdo physical activity during the heat of the day. Avoid getting a sunburn and don’t go barefoot, not even on the beach.
High temperatures can change how your body uses insulin. You may need to test your blood sugar more often and adjust your insulin dose and what you eat and drink. Get more hot-weather tips here.
You may not be able to find everything you need to manage your diabetes away from home, especially in another country. Learn some useful phrases, such as “I have diabetes” and “where is the nearest pharmacy?”
If your vacation is in the great outdoors, bring wet wipes so you can clean your hands before you check your blood sugar.

Tips Explained,

1. Have a Plan:

Visit your doctor and tell them about your destination About one month prior to your trip, visit your doctor and tell them about your destination. They can help you understand potential vaccinations and if you need them when you travel abroad. This gives you time if you develop any reaction to a vaccination.

2. Get Organized:

Make a list of your medications, doses, and reasons why you take them.
Include your allergies on the list.
If you are traveling alone, you need to have an emergency contact in your phone and listed on your medication card.

3. Carry a Letter:

Get a letter from your doctor certifying that you are diabetic, and listing the various medications and supplies you must carry with you. Without this, you might have difficulties passing through Security at airports and international border crossings.

4. Get Prescription:

Also get a prescription for your insulin or other diabetes medication, even though you should have enough syringes, strips, and medication to last for the duration of your trip. it’s always good to have a prescription in case you lose them. they become spoiled because of extreme weather conditions. or your trip lasts longer than you originally plan.

5. Carry Identification:

You need to have identification indicating you have diabetes.
If you are traveling abroad, you should have the I.D. in the language of the country you are visiting.
Carry a simple phrasebook in the language of the country you are visiting.
A medical I.D. bracelet is an important way to communicate your health conditions with others if you cannot.

6. Learn To Express:

Learn to express specific diabetic requirements in the local languages, Since you probably won’t know how to pronounce the words, the easiest way is to carry them on a printed card and simply point to what you want to say.

7. Pack at Least Twice:

As much medication and supplies, as you think you’ll need:

Put half in your suitcase, and a half in a special bag that never leaves your possession.
The container for these supplies should be sturdy.
preferably hard-sided, for protection.

8. Carry a Sealed Pack Containing Hard Candies or Glucose Tablets:

in case irregular eating makes your blood sugar drop too low.
Your pack should also contain emergency snacks, such as crackers, cheese, fruit, juice.
in case you must wait too long between meals, which can happen when we are traveling.

9. Stock Up on Supplies, And Medications:

I recommend having one extra week of your medications and supplies if you are traveling in the U.S., and two weeks of supplies if you are traveling outside of the country. This will take the worry out of unexpected changes in your travel plans.

10. Take Good Care of Your Feet:

Wear pool shoes by the pool, in the shower, and at the beach for protection.
Wear good sturdy and supportive shoes and fresh socks daily.
You may also consider putting powder between toes to reduce the risk of developing fungus from sweaty feet.
Apply lotion to feet and heels after showering.
Taking care of your feet will allow you to enjoy your sightseeing even more.

11. While on Your Trip:

Check your blood sugar more often than usual Many factors, such as fluctuating temperatures and changing time zones, can cause wild swings in your blood sugar levels. If you check often, you’ll be better able to take corrective action as needed. As long as you take sensible precautions to care for your diabetes. there’s no reason why it needs to stand in the way of happy travel experience.

12. Move:

When traveling by car, plane, or train,

You should stand and walk around, wiggling and rotating your ankles and feet.
Do not cross your legs except at the ankles to promote better circulation.
Sitting for long periods of time with no movement may encourage the formation of blood clots, which can lead to more serious complications.
People with diabetes are more prone to blood clots.

13. Drink:

Flying and hot weather can lead to dehydration:

Drinking fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol.
Water is always your best bet.
If you are unsure about the local water supply, drink bottled water to avoid potential gastrointestinal problems.

14. Eat-in Moderation, And Stay Active:

Enjoy new foods and flavors.
Watch your portion sizes.
Be careful with all-you-can-eat buffets and all the glorious food they serve on cruises.
When traveling abroad, be careful where you eat to avoid stomach issues.
Traveling is a good time to enjoy activities and exercise.
Enjoy walks, bike rides, swimming, golf, tennis, and other fun activities.

The Bottom Line:

Diabetes can be a scary disease. However, there are many things you can do to manage it. By following some of the suggestions mentioned in this article, you can learn to control your diabetes and live a healthy life. Follow the above-mentioned tips while traveling with your diabetes supplies and rest assured, you will have a safe and comfortable journey!

Bon voyage!….

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, as you might help someone in need. Thanks.

Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment of any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”

References

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html – https://medlineplus.gov/