Preparing for your
vacation with diabetes.
Traveling with
diabetes can be a little overwhelming, but if you make adequate preparations
and with proper planning, your trip can be a roaring success. No matter if you
are going on a cruise or just camping out in the mountains, you have to take
time to plan you trip with care if you have diabetes. Nothing is worse than
being on vacation and having to stop everything to deal with any diabetes
related complications.
When you are planning a
long trip, schedule a visit your endocrinologist ahead of time to discuss your
plans and see if you need to make any adjustments before you leave, and you need
to find out if you need any immunization shots for the area you will be
visiting.
Ask your doctor for a letter that explains your case history in detail, and contains information such as the insulin shots, diabetes medications, list of syringes, and other devices that you need. Have the letter include any allergies and sensitivity towards particular foods and a current prescription for your insulin, oral medications anything else you require. If you use pill packs, take the prescription list along with you.
Ask your doctor for a letter that explains your case history in detail, and contains information such as the insulin shots, diabetes medications, list of syringes, and other devices that you need. Have the letter include any allergies and sensitivity towards particular foods and a current prescription for your insulin, oral medications anything else you require. If you use pill packs, take the prescription list along with you.
Always wear a medical ID necklace or bracelet that states the fact that you have diabetes. Also try and learn to say the phrase “I have diabetes” and other words like “doctor” or “insulin” in the language of the country you are going to visit. Most countries are very accommodating and speak some English.
Pack twice the amount of medication and other blood testing supplies you may need for your trip. Half of that amount should be in your carry-on bag that airlines allow you to carry with you, so that your medication is always on hand. Make sure that your medication includes all the insulin and syringes you will need, testing supplies with extra batteries, oral medicines, medications like glucagon, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrhea and anti-nausea drugs. Remember TSA’s 3-1-1 rules, where each container cannot be larger than 3.4 ounces and are packed in a clear one-quart bag. If you keep these in their own bag, it is considered a “Medical Carry-on” and does not count against your allowed carry-ons. Don’t forget to carry your diabetes ID card, an air-tight, well wrapped snack pack of peanut butter, crackers, cheese, fruit and juice, and hard candy in case your blood sugar levels drop.
Be prepared for the
TSA security process when traveling. Certain medications and devices require
specific security screenings and these can’t be avoided. If you
wear a pump, you will probably be required to have a pat-down procedure. Remember
that no family member can assist you if you are selected for a pat down. Don’t panic, just explain that you are
wearing an insulin pump. The pat-down will be performed by a TSA
officer of the same gender and you can ask the agent to change gloves if it
makes you more comfortable. Additionally, if you feel uncomfortable with
people watching this process, ask for privacy and they will move you aside. During this process, you cannot hand your
traveling companions any personal items.
It is important that you allow extra time to get through security.
If you plan ahead your
vacation should go off without a hitch.
Written by: Mimi Snyder
