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Ask your doctor for a prescription and a letter outlining the details of your diabetes and the supplies you will carry to manage it. This is important for travel in foreign countries, if you must pass through airline security, and in case you need to replace your medications. Keep pharmacy labels attached to medications and do not carry them in unmarked containers. Medication must be clearly identified as medicine to anyone examining your baggage.
When you travel, take twice the supplies you would need for the same time spent at home. Do not pack these supplies in the same bag. Both bags should be carried on to the plane, and should never be left unattended. By using two bags, if one bag is lost, you will still have enough supplies. If you are travelling with a trusted friend or family member, ask if they will carry half of your supplies. If so, pass through airport security together.
You must still take your diabetes medications regularly while you are away. When travelling by plane, keep medications with you rather than in the overhead bin.
If you carry insulin, it is important not to expose it to extreme temperature. Insulin must be stored according to the temperature ranges on the package. Never keep these supplies in a car trunk or an airplane baggage compartment, where the temperature may be too hot or cold. Keep them with you instead. A small cooler with ice packs may be necessary in tropical countries. If your travel takes you to cold climates, make sure that your insulin’s temperature is protected. An insulated bag can be helpful. Of course, your planning will depend on where you will stay. Find out in advance what storage options will be available at your destination.
Remember that insulin used in other countries may come in different concentrations, such as U40 or U80 instead of the U100 used in Canada. If you need to use insulin from a different country, you must also use syringes that measure in the same concentration. Otherwise, you will take the wrong amount of insulin. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for help.
Again, take more insulin vials or cartridges than you would usually need. When deciding how much to pack, think about how much insulin you will require if vials are wasted, lost, broken or if more are needed due to illness. Try to consider every possible scenario. It is better to return with extra insulin than be caught short in another country. If you use a pen to deliver insulin, take a spare for each type of insulin you use in case one breaks.
Food intake plays an important role in managing diabetes. Too much food makes blood glucose go higher than an individual’s target. If you take insulin or certain diabetes medications, too little food can result in low blood glucose.
Before leaving home, find out what new foods might be available at your travel destination. When eating in restaurants, ask about the ingredients in dishes being served. If the language in the country you are visiting is unfamiliar, a language dictionary may help.
When you are served in a restaurant or an airplane, it is important that you do not take your fast-acting insulin until you receive your food.
In many countries, you must be careful about what you eat and drink. In some places you should only drink bottled water. Even ice cubes may not be safe. If you are buying local fruits and vegetables, wash them carefully with bottled rather than tap water.
Whether you travel by car, plane or train, always carry extra carbohydrate snacks with you in case you must miss or delay a meal. These can also come in handy when a meal is not available or does not meet your needs. Access to extra food is always important if activity is increased. When you are out and about, carry a fanny pack or backpack stocked with dried fruit, crackers, nuts, and cookies you can eat to prevent low blood glucose. Make certain you also carry something to treat low blood glucose quickly. Dextrose tablets are an easy and portable choice.
When you travel, doing extra blood glucose testing is a good rule of thumb. This may help you to avoid ups and downs in blood glucose caused by temporary changes in routine. Extra testing is most important on the days of departure and arrival and when food intake and activity change. Take a second blood glucose meter and extra batteries with you in case your regular meter fails or is lost.
Remember that in other countries blood glucose may be tested using different measurements. For instance, mg/dL may be used instead of mmol/L. This change can cause confusion and improper treatment. Discuss potential problems with your diabetes education team before you leave. If you have type 1 diabetes, it is especially important to take supplies for ketone testing. Ketones give additional warning that diabetes is getting out of control and medical help may be needed.
Crossing time zones is common when you travel. This can make a big difference to the timing of diabetes medications, as well as to the amount of medication you need. When you travel east, the length of your day gets shorter. When travelling west, the length of your day increases. Discuss the way that timing will affect your diabetes medication with your doctor and diabetes education team before you leave home. Take a copy of your travel plans, including flight times, with you for this appointment.
When travelling across time zones, plan to leave your watch on your usual time for the first day of travel, and change it to local time the next day.
While you are away, be prepared for illnesses such as headaches, cuts, scrapes, sunburn, and stomach or bowel problems. Avoid walking barefoot as you may injure your feet. Bring a first aid kit including pain medication, bandages, topical antibiotics, and remedies for diarrhea and vomiting. Make sure all immunizations are up to date before you leave home.
You must have travel insurance in case of health emergencies requiring medical attention. Travel insurance can be purchased through the Canadian Diabetes Association. Call 1-866-266-0166 or check out www.diabetes.ca/insurance for more information.
Always have diabetes identification with you when you travel. Learn key phrases in the local language. For instance, you should know how to say, “I have diabetes,” “Is it sugar-free?” and “I need a doctor.”
Have a good time while you are away. Enjoy your travels while safely managing your diabetes, so you can return home refreshed, relaxed and healthy.
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