Diabetes Travel
If you have diabetes and have to travel frequently,you need
to take care of your diabetes apart from the general care
you need to take for protecting your health.Find answers to
the questions you may have regarding diabetes care and then
if you dont find an answer to your area of concern write to
us !
Is there any thing I could do before starting travel ?
Yes! Have a medical checkup. If you are going to an area
where diarrhea might be a problem, ask your doctor to prescribe
an anti-diarrhea medication. You may also want to take along
something to prevent or treat nausea.
What should I do if I am travelling by plane ?
If you are traveling by plane, notify the airline 24 hours
in advance for a special diet order. Tell the flight attendant
that you have diabetes. CARRY ALL MEDICATIONS WITH YOU ON
THE PLANE.
Keep active while in transit.
What should I do if I am travelling by car or train ?
If you are traveling by car, stop every so often and take
a walk for at least five minutes. On a train, walk through
the coaches now and then. On a bus, take advantage of stopovers
by getting out and walking around to stretch cramped muscles.
On car trips, carry food in case of an emergency. A tyre
puncture or mechanical failure may leave you stranded far
from a restaurant at your scheduled meal time.
What if I do not understand the local language of the place
where I am travelling ?
Try to learn how to say: "I have diabetes; please get
me to a doctor." and "Sugar or juice, please,"
in the language of the area you plan to visit.
What hotels can I stay in ?
Choose hotels carefully. Know what facilities are offered
what services are available.
Always wear or carry some form of medical identification.
A tag, bracelet, or necklace with the which carries information
about your diabetes status.
Should I carry all my medication with me ?
If you take oral medications for diabetes, carry enough for
the entire trip. You may have trouble getting your prescription
filled in a foreign country.
Take along familiar blood glucose and urine monitoring equipment.
Remember, many changes take place during travel, and the only
way to assess your control is by monitoring frequently.
Is it neccessary to carry my insulin ?
Carry insulin with you, along with your syringes.Insulin
is now available in most areas, but you can never be sure.
Insulin need not be refrigerated, but you must protect it
from extreme heat or cold. Do not leave your insulin on the
dashboard of a hot car. If traveling by plane, have insulin
in your carry-on luggage.
What to do at the place of stay ?
Keep copies of the address and telephone number of your doctor
near your hotel-room phone and in your wallet or purse. That
way, if you need medical attention you won't have to waste
time searching for this information.
You can eat anywhere, but full-service restaurants are usually
more compatible with your need for a balanced diet. Don't
wait until the last minute to order from room service. Order
at least 30 minutes before your scheduled meal time.
Always carry small cans of juice, dried fruit, cheese and
biscuits. These snacks can be a substitute meal if necessary.
Don't overexpose your skin in the sun. Apply sun screen to
protect against burning.
Remember your basic rules of foot care . Don't wear new shoes
on vacation. Check your feet daily. If you get blisters from
walking, apply a mild antiseptic and a small gauze pad held
in place with non-allergic tape. Don't break blisters!
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