Summer is here and that means summer holidays, camping and sometimes those surprise trips! For people with diabetes, being prepared for holidays and trips and can reduce your stress and make sure you keep healthy when you get there.
1. Visit your doctor of health care team several weeks before your holiday. You will want to discuss and review your medications, meal timing, times zones and if there are any required vaccinations for that area.
2. Purchase travel insurance and ensure it covers pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes.
3. Be sure to take an updated copy of your prescriptions medications, including your insulin and consider getting a medic alert bracelet or necklace that indicates you have diabetes and your treatment plan.
4. Pack your medication, blood sugar meter and supplies in more than once place (in you’re your luggage and in your carry-on) to make sure you are covered in case your bag is misplaced for a few days or even lost.
5. Test your blood sugar regularly. This will help you know if your blood sugars are in the target range.
6. Stick to your regular mealtime schedule including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wherever you go, pack some snacks (apples, bananas or cheese and crackers) in case you are unable to eat at your next scheduled meal time. Make sure to also take quick-acting sugar such as juice or glucose tablets in case your blood sugar becomes too low. Make sure someone in your group knows how to recognize signs of a low blood sugar and what to do.
7. Pack an extra supply of insulin pen/syringes and an extra meter and log book. Make sure to take a container for sharps disposal.
8. Wear well worn, closed-toe shoes. Inspect your feet daily and try to avoid walking barefoot. Make sure you take care of any foot conditions prior to your holiday.
9. If staying in a hotel/motel, reserve a room with a kitchenette so that you can prepare meals in your room. Bring a cooler if a kitchenette is not available, so that you can keep essentials in your room. Ask if a continental breakfast is included at the hotel/motel. Are there restaurants or grocery stores nearby?
10. Stay hydrated and incorporate some activity during your trip, for example, daily stretches. Don’t forget to get out of your car and walk around every few hours. Being on holidays and sight seeing is a good way to get your activity in and increase your steps!
For more information on travel tips for people with diabetes, please visit:Canadian Diabetes Association - travel
For information on eating away from home, please read:
Canadian Diabetes Association - Eating Away From Home
Canadian Diabetes Association - Eating Away From Home
For more information on diabetes, please visit these websites:
Canadian Diabetes Association
Canadian Diabetes Association
