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Traveling With Diabetes
Family vacations, cruises, and world travel are all possible even if you have diabetes. It takes some planning and some extra work, but you can do it. Making your plans early and preparing for any emergency will allow a safe and enjoyable vacation. Any change in physical activity can cause blood glucose levels to swing high or low. Consult with your doctor and your medical support team about changing insulin doses and an extra prescription for insulin.
Pack your diabetes and extras in several bags. If you are flying, be sure to pack extra supplies in a carry-on or purse. Always wear your medical alert bracelet and any other medical information that might be needed. Your friends and families should know the route you are traveling. Making reservations for busy restaurants may help you avoid long waits. They also may be able to provide you with nutritional information about menu selections.
Carry a snack pack with juices, snacks, and water wherever you go. This pack will help if you need something quick to bring up sugar levels. Keep extra diabetes supplies in the same pack. If you keep everything together, they will be handy when the needs arise.
Checking your blood sugar more often during time away from home will help to control blood glucose levels. It is recommended you check at least six times a day to avoid any problems. Be prepared for changing blood sugar levels because of heat, excitement, and schedule changes. Dehydration may also be a problem because of heat. Diabetics are more at risk than others, but everyone should avoid dehydration while vacationing. The recommendation is to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day and more if you are more active than usual. You should drink the same amount of water even if you are visiting a beach or a pool.
If you are going to a theme or water park, keep your insulin supplies in a waterproof bag to avoid water damage.
Take care of your supplies while on vacation. Insulin should not be allowed to freeze and must be kept out of direct sunlight. Ice packs can be used to keep insulin chilled, and keep extra meters and test strips handy. All meters and test strips should be kept out of direct sunlight as well. Sunlight can affect test results.
The insulin pump is becoming more popular. It can give you the flexibility of vacation schedules without worrying about injections. The pump is more popular, especially for children with diabetes. As new technology makes these pumps even better, more children and adults will have the freedom to travel.
You can still enjoy travel if you have diabetes. It just takes a little more planning and preparation before you go. Relax, pack your supplies, let friends and family be aware of your trip schedule and let them know if you change your plans. Vacation can be a wonderful time for families and individuals. You don't have to give up vacation plans if you or a loved one is diabetic.
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