Diabetes can strike anyone at any stage of life, from infancy to the elderly. A survey has it over 11 million people in the U.S. know they have diabetes and another 7 million have it but are unaware of it. But Diabetes can be a complicated disease to manage, especially for the newly diagnosed diabetic patient.
The stress and excitement of traveling can make anyone more likely to get sick, but if a diabetic patient follows a few simple traveling tips, they are more likely to stay healthy throughout your trip. Whether you’re taking a quick vacation with your family or going abroad for several months, anybody can get sick in a new place because your body hasn’t had a chance to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment.
As people worry about how they will manage their diabetes in an unpredictable environment for example how will you get meals that will suit your health? Managing time changes is a challenge? Airport security is a task? Will changes in weather negatively impact on your blood glucose levels?
These and many other questions can run through your mind when thinking about traveling with diabetes. These concerns can even prevent diabetic patient from traveling.
The first and the foremost traveling tip is to always visit your doctor for a check-up before a diabetic patient plans to travel and discuss your itinerary with your healthcare team and work out plans for your meals and medication. Take vaccinations if your medical practitioner has advised before traveling, so you have time to deal with any possible side effects. Insulin storage is crucial as it will be spoilt if left in severe temperatures and its potency at room temperature is for thirty days and for long road trips? Keep adequate stock on meds and supplies beyond a 30-day limit.
When diabetic patients are sick, there blood glucose levels may fluctuate and fall adversely. During periods of illness, following are some traveling tips diabetic patient:
- Test your blood glucose levels every two to four hours;
- Continue to take your diabetes medication;
- Drink plenty of extra sugar-free fluids
- Call your doctor or go to an emergency room if you vomit or situation is getting out of control for a next few hours
- Check with your healthcare team regarding course of action for insulin adjustment during illness.
- Rest.
If a diabetic patient is traveling to a country where there is risk of disease, it’s essential to visit a travel doctor early and get advice re immunisations and management of acute illness in particular diarrhea and/or vomiting.
Last but not the least always remembers “Don’t Take a Vacation from Health”.