Travel Tips

Travel Tips

It’s summer vacation time, and everyone is planning a trip somewhere or the other! Whether the trip is local, to another city or another country; for a day or two, or for many weeks; by road, train or air; it’s important to plan not only the tickets and the stay but also the diabetes. Type 1 diabetes does need more organizing, but almost everything is possible. Thinking ahead will make sure you enjoy your holiday fully!

Discuss things in advance

Discuss your travel plans with your doctor, educator, or diabetes nurse. When travelling, eating and activity patterns are irregular, and may change even from day to day. There may be periods of inactivity (as in a long flight), or of increased activity (trekking, long walks, sight seeing). You may be travelling to a different time zone, eating different foods, sleeping at different times. All this can affect blood sugar levels, so you must know how to handle it.

For air travel, you will need a formal prescription explaining your medical condition and treatment needs, to allow insulin and sharps to be carried in hand baggage, and also to get insulin locally in case of an emergency. Also, ask your doctor if any local contacts can be suggested to get in touch with in case of an emergency. Inform security staff in advance that your are carrying medical supplies.

For school trips, make sure the accompanying teachers know what to do routinely (e.g. making sure a fridge is available for keeping insulin; ensuring regular meals, snacks, and blood testing) and in an emergency (keeping your doctor’s number handy, knowing how to test blood sugar, being able to give glucagon, knowing where the nearest medical facility is..). The child and teacher must call once daily to inform what’s happening.

Calculate how much of each supply you will need, and carry extra supplies of everything. Make sure they are packed properly, in two separate bags, and two persons have the responsibility of carrying them. Carry ID proof, a card stating you have diabetes which has emergency numbers, and a few sweets, with you at all times.

Packing your insulin

Make sure all the insulin is in cooled insulated containers (e.g. a thermos with a few pieces of ice, or a cool pack). Do remember not to put so much ice that the insulin freezes! The bags with insulin should not be checked in, or left in the car/ bus, where the temperature can be quite high. As soon as you reach your destination, put the insulin in a refrigerator.

Testing your blood sugar levels

I hope you check your blood sugars 2-4 times daily, routinely. During travel, it is important to check more often so you know what to do, with food, activity and insulin doses. Remember your meter can malfunction if it gets very hot, so keep it cool. After a day of increased activity, check blood sugar in the middle of the night, as it can drift low many hours later.

Be prepared

Make sure you have enough water and food with you at all times. This means a few sweets, a couple of packets of biscuits, some juice and a chocolate or mithai for concentrated extra calories.

Special situations

If you are going somewhere which will involve standing in long queues, make sure your backpack has all diabetes supplies. Inform the local staff in advance about diabetes. They may be able to help you jump the queue in some places.

Sharps disposal

I hope you dispose off insulin needles and blood testing needles safely routinely. When travelling, make extra sure you are carrying a bottle to safely store discarded sharps. You may get into trouble if you are careless.

Happy travelling!