Get Healthy Carson City: Traveling with diabetes

Many of us enjoy traveling or getting away from time to time. For most, planning to go on vacation involves taking time off of work, deciding where to stay, and choosing activities to do on your trip. For others, preparing for time away includes coordinating medications and disease management. This is particularly true when someone is diagnosed with diabetes. While diabetes should not be a barrier to enjoying yourself, it does require a few extra steps to make sure you have a wonderful and relaxing vacation.

If you have diabetes, here are some tips to help you prepare for your next trip.

Discuss all travel plans with your health care provider prior to leaving. Your doctor can offer advice on how to maintain blood sugar levels when you are away from your normal routine.

Make sure you have enough medication for your time away. While having enough medication with you is very important, it is also a good idea to consider what you would do if you accidentally misplace or lose your medications while away from home. Speak to your doctor about having an “emergency medication plan.” This may include your doctor writing prescriptions for you to take in case you need to replace medications while on your trip.

Make sure you have all the proper equipment and tools you need to check your blood sugar levels.

Pack good footwear. Diabetes can lead to poor circulation in feet and toes which, when injured, can lead to a potentially serious problem. Proper fitting and comfortable shoes should be packed and care taken to monitor your feet after a day full of activities or long walks. Any blisters or newly formed sores should be bandaged, kept clean, and dry.

Proper planning and communication with your doctor before you travel with a chronic health condition such as diabetes can help facilitate you have a stress-free vacation.

To learn more about traveling with diabetes and considerations for air travel, crossing time zones, and what to do once you arrive, visit the American Diabetes Association travel page at http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/when-you-travel.html.

Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) wishes you safe travels to wherever you plan to go. For more information about CCHHS services or how to help your family stay healthy, check out our website at http://gethealthycarsoncity.org/ or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.