Planning Trips with Diabetes: Crucial Factors to Bear in Mind

In the journey of living with diabetes, planning for travel can present unique challenges. Here are some essential tips and advice from DiabetesDE – Deutsche Diabetes-Hilfe, a German Diabetes Aid organization, to help diabetics navigate their travels more smoothly.

Firstly, it is crucial to obtain a medical certificate from your doctor before embarking on your journey. This will provide important information about your condition to healthcare providers in case of an emergency.

When planning your trip, it is highly recommended to discuss your travel plans and symptom management with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can offer valuable advice on managing your diabetes during your travels, including adjusting your medication dosage and insulin administration.

Experts advise packing two to three times the amount of medication needed for the trip, to account for any unforeseen circumstances. It is also essential to carry insulin in your carry-on luggage to avoid issues with low temperatures in the cargo hold.

While traveling, it is essential to check your blood sugar levels more frequently, especially when feeling unwell, during hot or cold weather, at unusual altitudes, or during physical activity. If you feel unwell, immediately measure your blood sugar levels to identify hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

In the case of hypoglycemia, it is recommended to inject short-acting insulin just after meals to avoid hypoglycemia if you feel nauseous. Injecting before a meal and then vomiting could lead to hypoglycemia.

Diabetics should have glucose tablets, glucose-containing drinks, and a glucagon kit readily available for emergencies. These emergency items should be packed in carry-on luggage, especially when traveling by plane.

It is also important to pay attention to your body's signals to distinguish between diabetes-related symptoms and other causes. DiabetesDE provides an overview of body signals, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and frequent urination for hyperglycemia; shakiness, hunger, and cold sweats for hypoglycemia.

Lastly, it is crucial to plan for handling symptoms while traveling and to know when it becomes dangerous. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention.

By following these tips and advice, diabetics can enjoy a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Happy travels!