5 Tips for Traveling When You Have Diabetes

If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, managing your condition is probably a significant part of your daily routine. You take medicines daily, eat on a standardized schedule, and regularly check your blood sugar levels. 

At home, you may be able to manage your diabetes pretty well. But if you need to travel or want to go on vacation, diabetes can pose a challenge.

At Wellness Care Clinic of Swansea, Illinois, Ginger Darty, NP, and our primary care team support our diabetes patients in living life to the fullest. We don’t want your condition to limit your opportunities. 

Instead, we work with you to put together a comprehensive treatment and management plan that can grow with you over the years. That includes expert tips for traveling when you have diabetes. 

Here are just a few of the suggestions that can help you keep your condition under control when on the road, in the skies, or away from home.

Prepare by scheduling a checkup

Prepare for travel by making sure your diabetes care is up to date. Schedule a visit us so you can receive any needed health exams, as well as personalized advice for your trip. Our Wellness Care Clinic team can even provide you with a physician’s letter to support you as you travel.

Pack your supplies with care

When traveling, keep your diabetes supplies where you can access them and where there’s little chance of anything getting lost.  You may need to use your blood sugar monitor before you arrive at your destination. 

You don’t want to leave your medications behind, and don’t skimp on the amount of medication that you bring. If you run into any delays, you don’t want to run out of needed supplies.

Keep your medication and other medical supplies at the right temperature: not too hot and not too cold. A cooler maintains the right temperature for your care needs.

Bring the travel snacks you need

It can be difficult to find diabetes-friendly foods at an airport, gas station, or bus depot. In addition to your medications, pack healthy snacks to get you through the transit part of your expedition. 

If your travel plans include a flight, you should know that passengers with diabetes are allowed to bring more than 3.4 ounces of fluids through security, so you don’t have to skimp on essentials like fruit juice or cooling gel packs.

Maintain a healthy diet

Travel often involves unusual food experiences, some of which you may not want to miss. But in order to avoid problems with your diabetes, keep eating a healthy diet while away from home. 

Fresh fruit, nuts, whole wheat bread, grilled meats or fish, and hard-boiled eggs are all good options for you while you’re on your trip.

Stay aware of your blood sugar levels

You may need to check your blood sugar levels more frequently than usual when you’re away from home. 

Warmer temperatures than you’re used to, more activity than usual, or changes in your diet can create swings between high and low blood sugar. Checking often lets you recalibrate and adjust your medications or actions.

You can keep traveling after a diabetes diagnosis. It just takes a little more care and planning to manage your condition. 

If you have travel plans, schedule a consultation with our family medicine team at Wellness Care Clinic today. Call us now, or book your appointment online.