Summer Travel Smarts for Diabetes
Vacation should equal rest and relaxation -- or, if you prefer, sightseeing and adventure. Having diabetes means you'll need to take a few precautions, though.
Step one: Talk to your doctor.
Getting Better Sleep When You Have Diabetes
In every issue of WebMD the Magazine, we ask our experts to answer readers' questions about a wide range of topics. In our July/August 2012 issue, we asked WebMD's diabetes expert, Michael Dansinger, MD, about the link between diabetes and poor sleep. Q: I have diabetes, and I'm not sleeping well. Are the two related, and what can I do? A: Yes, people with diabetes often have reduced sleep quality and quantity. Sleep apnea, medications, lack of exercise, and abnormal glucose and hormone...
Read the Getting Better Sleep When You Have Diabetes article > >
"I like to speak to them about what they should pack, how to store their medications, and how to prepare for any emergencies" related to high or low blood sugar, says Deena Adimoolam, MD, an assistant professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
She also asks patients about where they're going and the length of their trips, so she can help them prepare.
Make a List and Check It Twice
Start a detailed packing list. Adimoolam recommends you take twice as much medication as you think you'll need, just in case you get stuck and are away longer than expected. Always bring meds in their original pharmacy containers so that everything is clearly labeled. You may also want to take a prescription with you.
If you use insulin, you know that pens and needles or vials and syringes are a must. You may also need a cooling wallet to protect your insulin from heat. Most types don't do well above 86°F, so check with your doctor about your brand.
You'll also need your glucose monitor, lancets, and testing strips as well as snacks and hard candy in case your blood sugar drops too low. All of these supplies must be easy to find at all times -- so if you're flying, keep them in your carry-on bag.
A pair of quality shoes -- whether you'll be pounding the pavement or taking walks on the beach -- is also a must to protect your feet.
Check Yourself Often
Vacation often means doing lots of physical activity -- like going for a hike or doing fast-paced sightseeing -- and eating foods you normally don't. So you'll need to keep extra tabs on your blood sugar levels.
Changing time zones? That means you'll be eating at different times than you would at home. You may also need to adjust your routine if you're used to taking insulin first thing in the morning or before bed. Go over all of this with your doctor before you leave.
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