Diabetic Eating while Travelling

If you want to travel while suffering from diabetes, you need to be particularly careful about eating. You need to plan ahead and be prepared to deal with emergencies other than resolving to keep your condition in check. You should first learn and stick to some general rules for diabetic eating while travelling.

How should diabetics eat healthy while travelling

• If you are travelling by air, call the airlines one day earlier to enquire about special meals. Different airlines are bound to have varying foods for diabetics. Get a description of the diabetic diet for travellers. The food offered for vegetarians and dieters may also work well for you but know about their contents first.
• As some airlines are not conscious enough to remove all sweets even from their diabetic meals, it would be advisable to bring your own food on board. You can pack fruits, nuts, celery, carrots, crackers, low-fat cheese and yoghurt for your meals as well as snacks.
• If at all you feel the need to buy food from the airport shops, you can have protein bars meant for diabetics, fruit salads and yoghurt.
• When travelling on land by car, you have a lot more freedom compared to air travel. It is easy to bring your own food and have your meals when you like.
• If you are driving yourself, do not eat while you are at it. Eat only when you stop for rest as otherwise, eating can make you fall asleep. Some raisins or nuts may be a good choice if you need a quick snack in the car.
• If you want to eat out, look for a restaurant that offers grilled dishes. Never eat in a buffet as you cannot ask for specific foods.
• If you are on insulin, understand that you may need it less than normal as your level of activity is lower.
• If you are on a long road trip, pack yoghurt, cereals and fruits for breakfast every evening.

If you are leaving your country, make sure you are up to date with your immunisation schedule. Moreover, you should:

• Request a prescription for carrying extra medications along with supplies for emergencies.
• If you are on insulin, ask for an administration schedule to manage diabetes while travelling across time zones.

Before travelling abroad, discuss your plans with your health care provider as early as possible. If you can discuss it four to six weeks earlier, your health care provider would be able to better monitor your condition. Other than the tips given here, you need to manage your diabetes care with regards to your condition.

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