Planning a holiday trip and wondering how to prepare for it if you have diabetes? We’ll tell you what to take with you and what information to check before you travel, so that your vacation is a time of rest rather than unnecessary worry!
A person with diabetes while traveling – what should he or she bring with them?
If you have diabetes, nothing prevents you from touring the world. However, keep in mind that even while you are on vacation, you should monitor the course of your disease and be prepared for the possibility that hypoglycemia may occur.
In addition, it is a good idea to make sure that the people spending the vacations with you know about your illness. That way they will be able to react quickly if any problems arise. You don’t need to tell everyone individually about your illness, as it may be uncomfortable for you. Instead, get a “I have diabetes” silicone wristband. – It is available in different colors, sizes, and the information itself is in two languages – Polish and English.
Due to security issues, in addition to the armband, it is a good idea to have a “diabetic card” in your wallet. It doesn’t take up much space because it is the size of a credit card. It contains information about the fact that you have diabetes and a contact number, to the person who should be notified in case of need (you enter it yourself in the space “ICE number”). You can order the card free of charge online – it is available in various languages.
What else should a diabetic bring with him on vacation? Here’s a list of essentials:
- insulin supply,
- glucometer,
- glucose meter batteries,
- Test strips (for testing blood glucose levels and ketone bodies in the urine),
- lancets,
- pricker,
- insulin administration pens,
- pen needles,
- Gauze pads (used for hand disinfection),
- glucagon,
- medications prescribed by the doctor.
A case designed to transport insulin is also useful. In the offer of the store diabetyk24.pl you will find the FRIO case, which is the world’s first patented cooling case. What sets them apart is:
- simple activation with cold water,
- Long continuous cooling time (45 hours),
- Short recharge time (5 minutes).
In addition, the case is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel.
What about if you use an insulin pump? Also pack batteries for the device, a supply of insulin and insulin containers, and infusion sets in your bag.
Active vacation with diabetes – what should you take with you if you are planning a sports vacation?
Instead of lying on the beach, do you choose an active vacation? If you love sports and don’t want to sit still, the question arises – what should a person with diabetes travel with if he or she plans a sports vacation?
Physical exertion is associated with the risk of hypoglycemia. If it is mild, it manifests itself in the form of hunger, fatigue, pallor, among other things. On the other hand, the one of moderate degree gives symptoms in the form of anxiety, headache and abdominal pain, or visual disturbances.
However, this does not mean that a person with diabetes on vacation should give up physical activity. If you want to spend your leisure time actively, consult with your doctor to prepare a personalized hypoglycemia regimen.
Besides, stock up on liquid or lozenge glucose or energy gel (i.e., a carbohydrate concentrate made for people who do endurance sports) before you travel.
In the offer of diabetyk24.pl you will find a wide range of products that will help in case of hypoglycemia. You can choose glucose in lozenges with different WW content (e.g. Dextro Minis about 0.1 WW lozenge or Dextro about 0.5 WW lozenge) and flavors (e.g. cocoa, forest fruits, cherry, lime). And if you prefer liquid glucose, for example, we offer you convenient to use sachets containing 1 WW. You can easily stash them in your backpack or sachet to always have them on hand while on vacation.
What else is worth keeping in mind when going on vacation?
In addition to packing all the things mentioned in your suitcase, remember other important things as well. If you are using an insulin pump, write down the device’s settings on a piece of paper or on your phone. Such information will come in handy in case of an emergency.
And if you already know before you leave that your vacation lifestyle will be significantly different from your daily routine, discuss insulin dosing with your doctor. If you’re using an insulin pump, you can save a so-called holiday treatment profile in the settings.
Also, try to find out if there is access to a refrigerator where you are staying. This is extremely important information if you plan to vacation where temperatures are high.
A trip abroad requires special preparation. In addition to an “I have diabetes” wristband with a sign in English, or a “diabetic card” in another language, consult your doctor about medications. Not all of them have their equivalents abroad. Therefore, to save yourself nerves even before you leave, find out what name a particular active substance goes under.
Another important issue is a healthy diet. Even on vacation, it should not deviate from that recommended for diabetes treatment. Before you leave, you may want to check with your accommodation to see if it is possible to order meals that meet your needs.
And before you get there, prepare some healthy meals to take away. These can include whole-grain sandwiches with hummus or cottage cheese and chunks of vegetables. For a longer trip, in addition to sandwiches, take a lunch dish with you, such as brown rice, unroasted buckwheat groats, or whole-grain pasta with your favorite side dishes.
Remember that illness does not derail your travel plans. However, if you are struggling with it, you should properly prepare for your trip. To avoid stress and off-site shopping, make a list of things to take (and take them in stock). In addition, wear a wristband and put a “diabetic card” in your wallet, which will increase your safety.
