| Traveling with diabetes requires preparation both | | | | and supplies as you think you'll need. Put half in |
| before and during your trip. Here are 11 tips to | | | | your suitcase, and half in a special bag that never |
| help you make sure your diabetes doesn't | | | | leaves your possession. The container for these |
| interfere with the pleasures of travel. | | | | supplies should be sturdy, preferably hard sided, |
| 1. Visit your doctor at least a month before | | | | for protection. |
| you leave to make sure your diabetes is under | | | | 7. Carry a sealed pack containing hard |
| control. If you need to do any stabilizing, a month | | | | candies or glucose tablets in case irregular eating |
| will give you enough time. The same month should | | | | makes your blood sugar drop too low. Your pack |
| let your body settle down after any necessary | | | | should also contain emergency snacks, such as |
| immunization shots, so get those at the same | | | | crackers, cheese, fruit, juice --- in case you must |
| time. | | | | wait too long between meals, which can happen |
| 2. Get a letter from your doctor certifying | | | | when we are traveling. |
| that you are diabetic, and listing the various | | | | 8. Insulin can lose its strength in extreme |
| medications and supplies you must carry with you. | | | | temperatures, so carry your supply, as well as |
| Without this, you might have difficulties passing | | | | pills and other medication, in a thermally insulated |
| through Security at airports and international | | | | bag. |
| border crossings. | | | | 9. Carry bandages and first-aid cream, |
| 3. Also get a prescription for your insulin or | | | | comfortable walking shoes and protective beach |
| other diabetes medication. Even though you should | | | | shoes. Your feet neet extra special care while |
| have enough syringes, strips and medication to | | | | you're traveling. |
| last for the duration of your trip, it's always good | | | | 10. While on your trip, check your blood |
| to have a prescription in case you lose them, | | | | sugar more often than usual. Many factors, such |
| they become spoiled because of extreme | | | | as fluctuating temperatures and changing time |
| weather conditions, or your trip lasts longer than | | | | zones, can cause wild swings in your blood sugar |
| you original planned. | | | | levels. If you check often, you'll be better able to |
| 4. Wear an ID bracelet announcing your have | | | | take corrective action as needed. |
| diabetes, and also carry a small card saying so in | | | | 11. Finally, contact the International |
| the local language of the places you will be visiting. | | | | Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers at |
| 5. Learn to express specific diabetic | | | | 417 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092. They can |
| requirements in the local languages. Since you | | | | provide you with a list of English speaking doctors |
| probably won't know how to pronounce the | | | | in the countries you'll be visiting. |
| words, the easiest way is to carry them on a | | | | As long as you take sensible precautions to care |
| printed card and simply point to what you want | | | | for your diabetes, there's no reason why it needs |
| to say. | | | | to stand in the way of a happy travel experience. |
| 6. Pack at least twice as much medication | | | | Bon voyage! |