5 Tips For Traveling With Diabetes Supplies
Although you’d like to forget about your diabetes while you’re on vacation, you actually need to spend a little bit of extra time making sure that you stay healthy while you’re traveling (Traveling with Diabetes Supplies).
Visit Your Doctor in Advance of Your Trip
Keep your doctor in the loop. Advise him of your upcoming vacation and discuss any adjustments which may need to be due to time changes and your anticipated activity level. You may want to get a physical so you’re aware of your exact medical needs before you travel. Also, remember to ask for an extra prescription for your diabetes medication in case of an emergency.
Keep a Checklist
It’s easy to forget a critical item when you’re packing for travel. To make it easy on yourself, keep a checklist of your diabetes supplies and medications. Whether you write it down on a piece of paper or store it on your computer or smartphone, make sure you run through the checklist before you leave your home in order to ensure that you’ve packed everything you need to manage your disease.
Pack Extra Supplies and Medication
Although medical emergencies can occur when your home, they can be harder to deal with when you’re on vacation. Your surroundings are not familiar and your regular endocrinologist is not nearby, so any disruption in your normal routine can quickly turn scary.
Be sure to pack twice as many diabetes supplies as you think you’ll need. This allows you to be prepared in case you extend your vacation, have trouble getting back home, or you have to test more often than normal.
If you’re traveling by plane, pack your supplies in your carry-on bag. If you’re not traveling by plane, make sure your supplies are within arm’s reach.
Wear Your Medical ID Bracelet
It seems like common sense, but always wear your medical ID bracelet when you’re on vacation. It’s important that, in the event of a medical emergency, any first responders are aware of your medical status when they begin treating you.
Always Carry Snacks
It’s harder to keep track of an eating schedule when you’re on vacation, so keep a supply of snacks and drinks nearby at all times. Use a zipper lock bag to store small pieces of fruit, hard candy, peanut butter and crackers, and a juice drink. It’s better to be prepared and not need any of the snacks than to not have them, but need them.
It only takes a few moments of additional preparation, but those few moments allow you to really enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Please be sure to contact us if you have any questions about traveling with diabetes.