Diabetes Secrets of World Travelers

Modern medicine makes it entirely possible for people with diabetes to trot all over the globe, but it is necessary to stay fighting fit, whether you travel for business, pleasure, or to participate in an event.

Here is a check-list of the 5 most important things that need attention well before you leave for the airport:

1. Consult your doctor: packed schedules and the uncertainty of landing in new places can raise blood glucose levels abnormally. Handling changing time zones is also an issue as it could affect sleep; you may feel hungry at odd times, and not have the time and a place for your regular exercise. Your physician will guide you on how to handle these changes in daily routine, and may change prescribed medicine doses as well.

2. Tell the airline of your condition, and ask for a special meal on board. Ask if you could hand in insulin at the time of check-in for the cabin crew to hold for you, as the medicine will not stand the extreme cold and low pressure in a luggage hold at cruising altitude.

3. Carry a copy of your prescription, chemical descriptions of your medicines (brand names can vary by country), emergency snacks on which to munch if flight schedules are disrupted, as well as a stock of your oral medicines (what if you lose your registered luggage?)

4. Request airport security to check any insulin on your person physically, rather than put it through an x-ray. Security concern s should be allayed by a copy of your doctor’s prescription.

5. Keep your doctor’s emergency contacts, as well as those of a reliable medical professional at your destination handy at all times.

You are now well armed to go about your business, vacation, or social agenda! Have a great trip!