Travelling can be fun for a variety of reasons. You could be taking that long-needed vacation or seeing a friend or the kids or grandkids. Whatever the reason, traveling can be a good stress relief.
However, for people with Type 2 Diabetes, it is essential that while you make travel plans, you add diabetes management into the mix so as not to jeopardize your health or lose the progress you have recorded because of a trip. Here are tips to help you manage diabetes easily without losing your peace of mind while traveling.
- Before You Travel, See Your Doctor for A Checkup
You must get your doctor to check you out and confirm if you are fit for the trip. Your doctor should check your vitals and ensure that your blood sugar level is stable and in a proper state. Also, get refills of your prescriptions to ensure that you do not run out while on the trip. Having your doctor check out your proposed activities is essential to know if it would be a setback in type 2 diabetes management or if it is nothing to worry about.
One significant thing you should get from your doctor’s appointment is a note that states your health condition and what to do in case of emergencies. Ensure that you have several copies of this note on you. This note would help provide the proper and correct care for you in an emergency.
- Do Not Hide Your Health Condition
If you are traveling with people, ensure they know your health condition. Let them know about your diabetes, especially how to react in cases of emergencies, and also so that when you request special meals, they will understand. If you are traveling alone, take your doctor’s note that indicates the dos and don’ts of your diabetes. Also, ensure that you have emergency contact numbers so that the paramedics will have someone to respond to their questions in case of emergencies.
- Plan Your Meals
Meals are vital for people with type 2 diabetes because an error in choosing suitable meals can jeopardize a person’s progress in managing diabetes and can even cause emergencies. So, you must plan for your meals ahead of your trip as it would save you the inconveniences of calculating carbs or going hungry. If you are flying, you can contact the airline ahead of time to request a special meal tailored to your medical condition since most airlines accommodate clients with particular needs. Also, make sure that you have many healthy snacks to avoid the temptation to indulge in junk food. Don’t risk your health by taking junk food, as it would increase your blood sugar levels.
- Always Travel with Your Diabetes Supplies
Properly package all of the health supplies you might need during the trip. Getting a carry-on bag and putting everything together rather than in separate packages is advisable. Label the carry-on bag medications for diabetes. So that the bag can be recognized easily and medicines accessible in case of emergencies. Take extra care to pack insulin. Take more than you need to ensure that you do not run out. An essential piece of advice to note is never to put your medications inside your checked luggage; ensure that it is close to you and easily accessible.
- Check Your Blood Sugar Level More Frequently Than Usual
This is advisable because the change of environment can do a number on your body. To be on the safer side, check your sugar levels as often as possible. You can do that before and after a meal to see the changes in sugar levels.
- Don’t Forget to Exercise
Although some means of transportation do not make room for mobility, seek out ways to ensure that you do not remain inactive for too long. Every thirty minutes or one hour, walk around to stretch to prevent blood clots, as people with type 2 diabetes are susceptible. Also, after each meal, you can walk up and down the aisle if you are traveling by air, but if you travel by road, you might want to take the opportunity of the stops to exercise and ease your body.
Some additional tips you can follow when traveling is,
- Engage your mind as much as possible as long travels tend to bore out people; reading books or listening to music are great ways to help relax you.
- You have to adjust your medication timetable with different time zones. This is very important to ensure effective use. Days before your trip, you can begin to adjust to the time zones of where you are headed.
- It is essential to plan to be as comfortable as possible. Wear shoes that would not cramp your legs or cause swellings.
- Ensure that you keep hydrated: you must drink a lot of water as it helps to stabilize the body. Avoid the temptation of sugary drinks as it would cause your blood sugar level to shoot up drastically. It is essential to notify the bus driver if you travel by road of your need to use the bathroom frequently, and if you travel by air, it’s better to request seats close to the aisle.
- If you feel uncomfortable or sick at any point in the journey, alert the people around you so that you can receive adequate care.
It is crucial to note that you can never be too careful when traveling with diabetes. Therefore, you must follow all of your doctor’s prescriptions and take the necessary precautions.