Diabetes Educators from Methodist Healthcare to Provide Tips At Diabetes Expo May 21 and for Your Travel Stories

The summer vacation season is almost here. If you or a loved one has diabetes, you can manage it during your trip by planning ahead and packing the medications and materials that you will need. The American Diabetes Association offers these travel tips for persons with diabetes.

See your doctor before you go.

Before a long trip, have a medical exam to make sure your diabetes is under control. Schedule the exam with enough time to work on your control before you depart. Get immunization shots at least one month before you leave. If the shots make you sick, you'll have time to recover before your trip.

Before any trip, get two papers from your doctor: a letter and a prescription.

The letter should explain what you need to do for your diabetes, such as take diabetes pills or insulin shots. It should list insulin, syringes, and any other medications or devices you use. The letter should also list any allergies you have or any foods or medications to which you are sensitive. The prescription should be for insulin or diabetes pills. The prescription laws may be very different in other countries. If you're going out of the country, obtain a list of International Diabetes Federation groups at www.idf.org.

Prepare for an Emergency Abroad.

You may want to get a list of English-speaking foreign doctors from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, www.iamat.org, or by phoning them at 716-754 4883.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that shows you have diabetes.

Also learn how to say "I have diabetes" and "sugar or orange juice, please" in the language or languages of the countries you'll visit.

Pack at least twice as much medication and blood-testing supplies as you think you need.

Pack all of them in your carry-on bag so that your medication is always with you (checked luggage can get lost). Pack this bag with:

  • all the insulin and syringes you will need for the trip
  • blood and urine testing supplies (include extra batteries for your glucose meter)
  • all oral medications (an extra supply is a good idea)
  • other medications or medical supplies, such as glucagon, antidiarrhea medication, antibiotic ointment, antinausea drugs
  • your ID and diabetes identity card

Have Insulin, Will Travel.

When you travel with insulin, give some thought to where you'll be storing your supplies. Insulin does not need to be refrigerated, but insulin stored in very hot or very cold temperatures may lose strength.