Diabetes Travel Tips

Diabetes and Travel: Tips for traveling

When you have diabetes, proper planning can help you prepare for and safely enjoy your dream travel destination. Here are some tips for planning:

Before traveling:

• See your doctor for an exam and check if you need any vaccinations; be sure to get any needed vaccinations 1 month before you travel.
• Have your doctor write a note explaining you have diabetes, with a list of medicines and devices you need to manage your diabetes. Keep this with you when traveling.
• Find out where you can get diabetes supplies, as well as locations(s) of healthcare centers at your travel destination; have your doctor write a prescription for medicines and supplies in case of an emergency.
• Be sure you have insurance that will cover any illness during your trip. Consider getting travel insurance.

Packing for your trip

• Pack all the necessary diabetes supplies: medicines, blood glucose meter, extra batteries for meter, test strips, lancets and others; pack more supplies than you think you’ll need while you’re traveling.
• Keep packed diabetes supplies with you always: carry-on if travelling by air, in the car or on a bus.
• Pack some snacks and some form of sugar (candy, glucose tablets) to treat low blood glucose.

During your trip:

• Wear or carry a medical ID that shows you have diabetes; let others traveling with you know you have diabetes and how they can help, in case of an emergency.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, redness and/or swelling. Take care of any issues and seek medical help if needed.
• Always carry snacks with you to help prevent low blood sugar in case meals are delayed and/or you’re more active than usual.
• Stay as close to your usual routine as possible: eating, taking medicines, testing your blood glucose and sleeping; be careful with unfamiliar foods (ask about ingredients) and drinks, including tap water overseas.