When you have diabetes, travelling requires a bit more planning. Luckily, this infographic from Diabetes.co.uk has some top tips for you to take into consideration and get you ready for your next holiday in no time. Here are some of the most important.
Before You Leave
- Be prepared! Make sure you have a plan for what you’re going to do in case of emergency – for example, it’s a good idea to call your airline in advance and see what they keep in their medical kits, as some on international flights can be quite sparse.
- Get travel insurance. If something unforeseen happens, such as needing a costly medical evacuation, you won’t have to worry about being stuck with the bill.
- Keep a doctor’s note handy. Getting through security can be a hassle when you’re carrying around syringes, insulin and other supplies. Save yourself some time and get your GP to write you a letter informing the TSA of your diabetes so you can get to your gate as quickly as possible.
The Journey
- Pack insulin in your carry on. That way, you won’t have to worry if your luggage gets lost.
- Let a flight attendant know you’re diabetic. If you need assistance (anything from an extra juice to keep your blood sugar up to an emergency), the more informed the airline staff are, the better they will be able to help you.
- Make sure you have enough snacks. Airplane food is notoriously gross and can sometimes get delayed or cancelled, and you want to make sure you’ve got enough to eat.
While Abroad
- Don’t walk around barefoot. If you get a cut, you might not notice it until you’ve already got an infection. Consider investing in some sandals that will be appropriate for beach days.
- Keep your meds cool. If you’re heading to a hot climate and won’t be around a refrigerator reliably, pick up some cool packs that don’t require freezing and keep those on you just in case.
- Make sure you have plenty of supplies. You don’t want to find yourself empty handed, miles away from your doctor and in a country where you don’t speak the language!
Now that you have some knowledge under your belt on how to stay safe while travelling with diabetes, what are you waiting for? Sort out an itinerary, pack your bags and book your flight and airport shuttle – your next adventure is just around the corner!
