Traveling With Diabetes
A person with diabetes does not have to deprive himself of having a good vacation elsewhere or fulfilling work commitments in a distant place. Traveling with diabetes requires certain precautions, but it can be done successfully, without much trouble.
Traveling with diabetes does not have to create limitations. It is simply necessary to take a few simple preventive measures to avoid risky situations. Otherwise, a diabetic can enjoy a trip as much as a person without this problem.
There are two key factors to consider when traveling with diabetes. The first is to guarantee access to medicines and medical care, if required. The second is to prevent, at all costs, suffering injuries or food shortages during the journey.
Additionally, it must be said that to travel with diabetes it is necessary to have a certain stability in health. It is not good to embark on a journey with strong doubts about how the organism will behave. Therefore, it is always advisable to have medical opinion and apply the following advice.
Traveling with diabetes: pre-trip consultation
Traveling with diabetes involves several demands. One of them is the need to transport a series of medications, as well as to have your medical history at hand. It is advisable to consult with your doctor to issue a medical report specifying the type of diabetes you have and the treatment you are undertaking.
This document will be very useful to transport the medicines without problems and so that, in case you need to go to a consultation, a new doctor knows how to proceed. It is best to translate the report into English. Likewise, your doctor can give you the recommendations of the case, depending on the destination you are going to.
Health options at the duty station
It is very important to find out how the health system works where you are going. This includes identifying the health centers that can assist you, if you need it, and the mechanisms for accessing medications.
Normally, there is no problem when it comes to a domestic trip, but things can get complicated if you go to another country. It goes without saying that, in the latter case, you must purchase travel insurance that covers any eventuality that may arise.
Traveling with diabetes: medicines at hand
Medicines for daily use should go in your carry-on bag, as well as the meters and all the implements you may need, such as syringes or insulin pens, etc. If you go by plane, it is not advisable to send these items in the checked suitcase, as they can be damaged during the journey.
It is also convenient to carry some food in your carry-on bag. Products like cookies, cereal bars, or fruits are ideal. If you are traveling by boat, ideally your doctor prescribes some medicine against seasickness. If you go in a car, take care of the temperature at which the medicines are and take an extra portion of food.
Diet when traveling with diabetes
In case you go to a distant place, it is advisable to be extremely careful with the food that you are going to consume. Sometimes packaged food labels are not specific enough and you may end up eating something that affects your health.
Likewise, it is important to make sure what any dish you are going to eat contains, especially if it is new to you. Don’t be afraid to ask for all the relevant information and refrain from trying something about which you cannot find enough data.
The clothes to use and the footwear
It is best to wear loose clothing and as comfortable as possible, especially during the journey by plane, train, bus, etc. Tight clothes are not a good idea. A very important aspect is footwear. This should be very comfortable, of good quality and with excellent breathability.
You should never walk barefoot, especially if you suffer from loss of sensation in your feet. It is good to check your shoes before putting them on. It is not appropriate to wear shoes without heels or open. Better if the shoes are made of soft leather, without interior seams and lined.
Mosquitoes and the weather
Another aspect to take into account when traveling with diabetes is to be extremely careful not to be bitten by mosquitoes or similar insects. Some of these animals can transmit serious diseases, which can greatly complicate the diabetic picture.
If the destination site is at a high altitude, it is important to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Likewise, it must be taken into account that low temperatures hinder the absorption of insulin. So, when traveling with diabetes, it is better to avoid the cold or consult a doctor if you go to a place with little heat.
