Taking diabetes on the road can add a wrench into normal day-to-day diabetes management. Between the lack of activity and other variables, one must be vigilant with their diabetes.
In time, the skilled traveler will make appropriate adjustments that come with experience. Preparing, packing and executing a trip can be worrisome without proper foresight. The end goal is to have thought things through so well that embarking on an adventure with type 1 diabetes will not be anxiety producing.
Preparing for a trip to the beach, mountains or perhaps overseas all require similar but unique items of importance. Tapping into the community of folks living with type 1 diabetes can be a fabulous way to get input. If you use twitter try the hashtags #t1D #type1diabetes #diabetes #DSMA after your message.
With a few simple steps traveling with type 1 diabetes can be a snap.
- Drink water! Many people forget about the importance of drinking while traveling. Dehydration can wreak havoc on blood sugars and the way you feel.
- See your health care provider prior to traveling. Getting a clean bill of health will give you more confidence during your travels. Be sure to inquire about immunizations, medications to bring along and what to do if you have a health emergency. If you are traveling abroad have them write a letter that you have type 1 diabetes and what your medical needs are.
- Look for patterns with travel days- Notice what the best food choices may be, how much insulin is required to maintain blood sugars on the drive, plane, etc.
- Get insulin adjustment instruction- Speak with your practitioner about days that involve a lot of sitting and seek information on how to change your basal rate during this time. If you aren’t on an insulin pump check with them about increasing your long acting insulin (Levemir, Lantus).
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)- Remember with a lack of activity there is minimal muscular engagement to utilize the insulin on board. If you stop and walk or play at a park you will notice a quick drop in blood sugars. If you are running across the airport to catch a connecting flight beware of the possibility of a rapid drop in blood sugars. Remember to bring your **glucagon**
- Destination hypoglycemia- Whenever we reach our destination, within the hour I usually have low blood sugar (as evidenced on the picture of my continuous glucose monitor above. (the highest my blood sugar became was 190 after sitting for 9 hours, notice the drop at the end of the screen when I arrived at my destination and began to unpack the car.)
- Struggling with hyperglycemia (high blood sugars)? Know they won’t last. Remember to bring urine test strips along to test for ketones and follow your providers instructions. Think about lower carbohydrate foods or taking a short break from the car.
- Be prepared. Even with a day trip, be sure you bring extra diabetes supplies such as syringes, insulin pump sites and insulin. You never know when technology may fail you- and if it does, it’s never convenient. I always pack more supplies than we will need in case we have management issues.
- Medical ID- Wear your identification bracelet, necklace, etc. that states you have type 1 diabetes. This is so important when traveling with type 1 diabetes.
- Look into travel insurance- when we went to Europe we purchased affordable insurance through Squaremouth.com.
See other articles by She Sugar on traveling-
“Full Body Airport Scanners May Damage Diabetes Pumps and Sensors”