Advice for Diabetic Travellers

There is no reason to treat diabetes as a handicap, and one may enjoy the experience of travelling even after acknowledging the limitations associated with any medical condition. All that is necessary for diabetic travellers can be explained by a certified doctor either after undergoing examinations and necessary tests or after consulting a regular diabetes advisor. However, there are certain common guidelines that usually suffice for most diabetic patients.

Plan Ahead

The most basic principle to be upheld by any diabetic traveller is to plan ahead. If the individual can prepare before the trip and think through the trip as to what may be necessary at each stage of the journey, then there should be absolutely no problem. It is important to note what kind of activities you may participate in, whether this implies greater physical activity, stress or exertion, what kind of food you would be having and other similar questions.

Carry a Medical kit

The most important precaution and tip that can be offered of course is to carry an appropriate medical kit, consisting of everything that one requires related to diabetes. To begin with, the most important advice that must be kept in mind is that the insulin must be with you at all times. It is absolutely crucial to carry insulin with you, in your handbag or any hand luggage and not by any means in the aeroplane hold while travelling by an aeroplane as it is important to protect it from direct sunlight or freezing conditions.

Temperature and Weather Check

It is also important to note the temperature of the region you are travelling to, as this leads to several important adjustments that may have to be made in order to ensure safety. If you are travelling to a warmer or tropical region, it is important to carry a cold pack that will protect the insulin. It is also important to monitor your blood sugar levels, since heat affects the rate of absorption (with respect to the insulin). In colder climates, the insulin usually gets absorbed at a slower pace. Therefore depending on the destination, necessary adjustments and additional precautions must not be avoided at any cost.

Snack Some

It is important to eat regularly, and ensure that you carry snacks or food of any sort if you are uncertain of the location you are visiting. While seated in the aeroplane, it would be advisable to eat as often as necessary. The importance of a good diet cannot be stressed enough, most importantly from the perspective of a diabetic patient, is the carbohydrate content of each meal. If any contingency such as disease or sickness arises, then do not hesitate to rush to a doctor or hospital, it is critical to monitor blood sugar levels constantly in such a predicament. If these guidelines are kept in mind, travelling should undoubtedly be an enjoyable experience.

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