Holidays and Travel

 Having diabetes does not mean you have to restrict your holiday or travel plans. As with everything else, a little pre-planning makes things easier. Here is some basic information you need to know.

Car travel

  Car travel usually means (traffic jams permitting) you can stop when you like, but do make sure you have some food available in the car. Start your day early so that you can arrive at your destination early. Always have some form of sugar in the car with you because hypoglycemia is particularly dangerous when you are driving. Choose something that won't melt and mess up the upholstery in your car.

Train Travel

 Train travel means you may be subject to delay. Again, carry food and drinks with you. Bread, biscuits (sugar free biscuits are now available) and fruits would stay longer and hence can be had during travel.

Air Travel

 Most airlines provide food very frequently, but do carry extra in case of delays. Since you will not be doing much exercise and will probably be more stressed than usual, you could be slightly sugary for few days. This will do you no harm and at least you can be fairly confident that you will not become hypoglycemic particularly on long journeys. It is wise to request the cabin staff to provide some food if you feel meals are getting usually delayed.

Travel Abroad

 If you are on a package tour, please note that the travel insurance is likely to exclude "pre-existing conditions" which means, diabetes in your case. For customs purposes, particularly in exotic places, a letter from your clinic explaining why you are carrying syringes and needles is also a good idea. Please note that some of the pen injectors show up on the metal detector at airports. You are likely to have to take it out and explain that it is not a weapon.

Travel Tips

• Always carry and wear medical identification that says that you have diabetes.
• Keep medication, insulin and syringes readily available in your carry on luggage.
• Carry prescriptions for medications, syringes and blood glucose testing supplies.
• Plan ahead for changes in meal times (especially when you are crossing time / zones). Plan times for testing your blood glucose.
• Carry food and some form of fast acting carbohydrates (e.g., sugar).
• Find out how and where to obtain emergency medical help.
• Follow your meal plan and your activity routine.
• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• Test your blood glucose regularly, test more frequently if you are ill.
• Check carefully that your own insurance covers diabetic emergencies for your holiday.
• Discuss the implications of different units of insulin with your diabetologist.
• Discuss also the effects of time zones and change of lifestyle with your health care team.
• When sunbathing, or relaxing in the heat, be aware of hypoglycemic episodes, or dehydration due to the heat. Drink plenty of water.
• During a swim, access to fast acting carbohydrate should be available, in case of hypoglycemia. Ensure that you eat prior to swimming.
• Take warm clothing with you when traveling to cold destinations. Make sure your insulin does not freeze.
• Always wear well fitting sandals for leisure on the beach and when swimming.
• Wherever possible learn the basics in the local language, e.g., "I am diabetic; please give me something sweet to drink; please call a doctor."