Travel Tips for People with Diabetes
Packing
for a trip overseas? Getting ready for a road trip with friends?
Finally going on that cruise? Plan ahead and ask important questions
of your healthcare team to learn some great tips to maintain
healthy diabetes management while on your getaway. Follow these
tips from Patty Latham, MS, RD, of Roche Diagnostics, and enjoy
a more relaxing vacation!
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Whether
you're lounging by the pool, or sightseeing for the day, remember
to adjust your daily routine to accommodate your vacation
schedule. Don't skip meals and remember that increased physical
activity like hiking, walking or swimming may reduce blood
glucose levels. You may need to adjust your medication or
eat an extra snack.
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When
you are away, on travel or otherwise, it is important to test
your blood glucose levels frequently, especially after meals
if you cannot identify total carbohydrates or if you are more
active than usual.
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Keep yourself hydrated by bringing bottled water.
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Always
be prepared for the unexpected such as lost luggage, cancelled
or delayed flights, rerouted trips and illness. Remember to
pack supplies and portable snacks such as single servings
of peanut butter and crackers, fruit cups, pudding, granola
bars, fresh fruit or rice cakes in a carry-on bag to treat
low blood sugar.
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When
traveling to a different time zone, keep in mind you will
need to adjust the time you eat your meals as well as when
you take your medications.
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Be
familiar with your destination. Do a little research ahead
of time to identify the location and hours of operation of
nearby hospitals, restaurants or grocery stores and pharmacies
that you can get to easily.
Travel by Plane:
"Understanding
the security measures in airports, consider bringing a letter
from your physician stating that you are carrying an insulin
pump and/or insulin/syringes and lancets to manage your diabetes,"
says Latham. Increase fluids before, during and after your flight
to reduce the risk of dehydration. Most flights still sell mini-meals,
but most are high in calories, fat, sodium and carbohydrates.
If the snacks provided have food labels, be sure to read the
food label and make your choice accordingly. When in doubt,
it is always best to bring your own snacks (see above for a
list of suggestions). During long flights, get up and walk around
regularly, if possible.
Travel
by car:
Keep
a cooler in the car with snacks and drinks. Also, be familiar
with the route you plan to take. In the event that you need
to find a location to stop, it will be helpful if you have identified
populated areas with access to food, pharmacies and potentially
hospitals. If the trip is several hours or more, consider stopping
regularly to stretch and walk.
Travel
by Boat:
Most
cruise ships have flexible meal times and buffet eating, however,
you may want to request specific eating times and special meals
(smaller portions, lower fat and sodium), if needed.
"Have a plan before filling up your plate at a buffet and
try to make only one trip. Fresh fruits and vegetables typically
are available, and it is a great way to incorporate fiber-rich
foods into your diet," advises Latham.
(Courtesy
of ARA Content)
Roche Diagnostics, maker of ACCU-CHEK products and services, has an easy solution for you as you travel. The ACCU-CHEK Compact blood glucose meter is a less painful system from start to finish. Its convenient preloaded 17-strip drum means you don't have to struggle with strips and vials each time and provides more convenient testing. ACCU-CHEK products are preferred on most health care plan formularies, keeping out-of-pocket costs to a minimum. Have a safe trip!
For more information, please visit www.accu-chek.com. |
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