Top Tips to travel with Diabetes
Dated : 03 Nov 2020
Travelling with diabetes can be difficult
if you are not prepared. You don't want any surprises when you are away from
home and cannot run to a known medical facility or pharmacy. As a T1D who loves
travelling for vacations, meeting family living abroad, or for studying, I have
learnt from my mistakes. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your
travel, followed by a checklist that can help you make sure you have everything
you need.
1. ALWAYS CARRY YOUR PRESCRIPTION
Your prescription is proof of your
diagnosis and will help you pass any security measures that are put in place
during travel, especially if you are taking a flight to your destination. Have
a picture of the prescription on your phone and a hard copy in your hand carry.
Sometimes, you may need to go through an entire swab check for both you and
your icepack with insulin in it. You will have to be patient and show them your
prescription.
2. HOW TO CARRY INSULIN?
The easiest and hassle-free way to carry
insulin is using Frio (available on Amazon) or similar packs. They are small,
concise, and you don't need to carry a big ice pack. Many security checks,
especially at airports, will not allow you to carry icepacks with melted ice,
and you may find yourself in a dilemma to get ice or a cooling system for your
insulin. Frio, in this case, has been a lifesaver for me. It is suitable for
traveling or daily use for students too!
3. ALWAYS HAVE EXTRA - EVERYTHING
When you are travelling, know how long your
travel will last and how long you will be away from home. Calculate an estimate
of how much insulin you would need and always carry at least three vials (300
ml each) of extra insulin. If you are using a pump or a CGM, always carry 5
extra (along with how many ever you need for the days of travel) of each along
with your basal and bolus insulin pens in case you have fewer pumps, or they do
not work. It is a good idea to have two glucometers – one in your hand-carry
and one in your main luggage that is checked in or not always with you. This is
to make sure you have a backup in case one gets lost during travel. You do not
want to be at an airport or a different country with no backups and no idea
where to get your supplies from.
4. LEAVE FROM HOME EARLY
If you are travelling by plane or any mode
of transport that involves extensive security checks, it is a good idea to
leave from home earlier than you would have. This is mainly to ensure that you
have time to explain or go through extra security measures that wearing a pump,
CGM, or carrying insulin may lead to. This may not be the case in every airport
or every country, but it always good to have a little extra time in case
something like this happens. I have experienced thorough checks while
travelling within the United States and also sometimes during layovers in
Germany. Always be prepared with your prescription in case they ask you for it.
5. DO YOUR RESEARCH
You know which airports and which places
you will be visiting. Research about nearby pharmacies or medical facilities
that can help you if you ever get short of supplies or need medical attention.
If there aren't any, no worries at all! You have packed everything that you
need and spare.
6. TRAVELLING ALONE?
If you are travelling alone, it is a good practice
to wear a bracelet or a marker that identifies you as a T1D and insulin-dependent.
If you have an unexpected hypoglycemia episode, people around you or
paramedics will know what measures they need to take in case you cannot
respond. Also, make sure you carry a lot of glucose tabs or your preferred hypo
treatment. It is a good idea to have at least 2 in your hand carry/backpack and
some extra in the main bag.
7. RAN OUT OF GLUCOSE TABS DURING
TRAVEL!!!!!!!!
Running out of glucose tabs is not too bad.
There are many stores everywhere where you can buy juice bottles, which can
help treat low sugar. Small packets of sugar that restaurants offer or you get
at hotels with morning tea or coffee can also be a good substitute as they are
easy to carry and involve less hassle.
8. AHHH MY LEVELS ARE ALL OVER THE
PLACE!!!!!
Over the years, I have learnt what to eat,
when to eat, and manage a bit of exercise, especially in long flights or train
rides. Long hours of travelling can be hectic for you and your blood sugar
levels and lead to many fluctuations. Sleep, food, and exercise are not all
available when you like it to be. You can only sleep if you have long layovers
or on the ride. I like to control my levels with food and insulin boluses. I eat
when my levels are on the lower side and use boluses as needed. Packed food may
not always be something you want to eat because it's cold and may not taste so
well. At airports, I eat fast food from restaurants but reduce the quantity. I
like to keep walking around to make sure my levels don't shoot
up. During flights or train rides, food
choices are minimal, and any form of exercise is almost null. I check the
quantity of food I am eating. Protein bars and nuts can be good snacks that do
not majorly increase your levels and are filling. However, I do take boluses as
needed for these too.
*This is mainly my experiences, and your
levels can react very differently from mine. I suggest using my experience but
also finding out what suits you better.
Here is a checklist to make sure you have
everything you need:
ü Insulin vials (number of travel days + extra)
ü Insulin pens/pump and or CGM (number of travel days + extra)
ü Needles for insulin pens (number of travel days + 1 extra box)
ü Glucometer – 2
ü Glucometer strips – 2 + 1 extra pack depending on the number of
travel days
ü Glucometer needles - in glucometer kit + extra
ü Glucose tabs – lots and lots
ü Additional hypo treatment if needed