20 TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH DIABETES
Your bags are packed, and you're ready to go. The last thing you want to worry about is your diabetes. No matter how well you stick to a daily regimen at home, things are bound to change when you're away. You eat out, your activity level increases but also becomes less consistent, and unexpected stresses can push blood sugar levels up. We've assembled a quick guide to managing diabetes while traveling - whether locally or internationally, for business or for pleasure. Read on for 20 smart tips on how to prepare, pack and plan your days off:
1. CREATE A SUPPLY CHECKLIST: Write down everything you'll need to stay healthy to ensure that you don't forget important items, especially when you're in a rush to get out the door.
2. KEEP A SMALL TRAVEL BAG WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES: Stock it with Insulin and syringes, blood and urine testing supplies, oral medications with prescription labels attached, other medications such as antibiotic ointment and anti-nausea drugs, your ID and diabetes identity card as well as your doctor's emergency number, a well-wrapped snack pack to treat low blood sugar levels.
3. PACK WORKOUT CLOTHING: That way you'll be ready to exercise, wherever you are. Most hotels have facilities for guests but require proper clothing. Ask the hotel staff or locals about safe places to walk and other active pursuits in the area.
4. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES: They'll help you walk briskly - and ach-free - through airports, train stations or cruise ships. Plus, once you reach your destination, use them for sightseeing on foot.
5. DON'T NEGLECT YOUR BLOOD-SUGAR MONITORING: No matter how long you'll be traveling, test your blood glucose as frequently as your doctor recommends.
6. KEEP ANYTHING VITAL IN YOUR CARRY-ON: More than two million bags were reported lost or mishandled by the airlines last year. If your checked luggage ends up lost, you don't want to be without important medications, syringes and blood-testing supplies.
7. TELL THE SECURITY SCREENER YOU HAVE DIABETES AND ARE CARRYING SUPPLIES: The TSA allows people with diabetes to carry insulin, unused syringes, langets, blood glucose meters, test strips, slcohol swaps, insulin pump and supplies, glucagon emergency kit, urine test strips, and used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container.
8. IDENTIFY YOUR INSULIN AND SYRINGES WITH THE PROPER MANUFACTURER'S LABEL: You may need to prove that what you're carrying is insulin.
9. MAKE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT: Ask for an aisle seat if you plan to use the restroom for insulin injections.
10. TELL THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT THAT YOU HAVE DIABETES, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE TRAVELING ALONE: You may need help if your blood glucose levels go too low.
11. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: Dehydration is ocmmon because cabin air has a much lower humidity level than a typical indoor environment. It can cause mild discomfort, scratchy eyes, fatigue and breathing problems for people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma.
12. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU LEAVE ON YOUR TRIP: Ask your doctor for prescriptions and a letter that explains your diabetes medications, supplies, and allergies. This way, pharmacists or physicians in other countries can provide them for you in an emergency.
13. GET EXTRA SUPPLIES FROM YOUR PHARMACIST: Keep a two week supply of medications with you at all times, along with supplies you can store in a separate bag in case your luggage is lost or stolen.
14. STORE ALL MEDICATIONS IN AN AIR-TIGHT, INSULATED CASE: This will protect them from exposure to extremem temperatures or humidity.
15. WEAR AND ID BRACELET: Also, stash an ID card in your walled that identifies you as someone with diabetes. The identification should be written in the languages of the places you are visiting.
16. PLAN FOR TIME-ZONE CHANGES: Make sure you'll always know when to take your medicine, no matter where you are. If you wear a watch with two time displays, keep one set to your home time.
17. BE VOCAL: When dining out, ask about the ingredients of menu items to avoid post meal highs or lows that can ruin your day.
18. CHOOSE THE RIGHT RESTAURANT: Red the menu - it's often posted outside by the entrance - and decide if you have enough healthy, lower-fat choices before you sit down.
19. BALANCE YOUR RESTAURANT MEAL WITH FOOD CHOICES THE REST OF THE DAY: Save most of your calories and fat choices for when you're dining out.
20: LOOK FOR LOW-FAT WORDS: Fish that is baked or broiled usually has less than 5 grams of fat per ounce. Also good for you: "grilled, baked, braised, broiled, poached, roasted or steamed."
Make sure to discuss your travel plans with your doctor, and see if he has any other suggestions to make your trip a successful one.
source: www.lifescript.com
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