There is a golden rule for diabetes patients who want to travel:

‘Diabetics can go on their vacation and have fun, but they can’t forget they have diabetes.’

That is because when diabetics travel, either the travel schedule or the effort can break them out of their routine diabetes care; the problem starts there. If they aren’t careful, blood sugar spikes can create quite a quandary leading to increased complications and health emergencies.

There are a few tips that diabetics can incorporate into their travel plan. It becomes all the more important they follow these tips to reduce risk of sudden sugar spike:

The first step will be to visit a diabetes specialist and get documentation about their present condition and the required treatment methods. Insulin users that need to travel for a long time should seek the advice on the timing and doses.

It is recommended that diabetics buy a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses, protects them from a variety of unexpected circumstances and go on their trips without any worries. Diabetics should pack twice as many supplies, and back up pump is essential if they use insulin pump. Keep all supplies close as it may be required anytime in case of contingencies. Pack supplies in carry case, if flying.

It is important that diabetics carry their own food and drink with them in case of travel delay. Another point to be noted here is that carbohydrate quantities in the food supplied may vary when travelling by air.

Avoid walking barefoot, particularly on hot sand or spiky, rough, rocky, coarse surfaces. This can cause a blister and needs to be covered with a plaster. Keep it absolutely clean and stay out of the sea. Check your feet regularly throughout the day to check the presence of any blisters. High altitude, humidity and heat can, at times, affect test strips and metres, and therefore diabetics shouldn’t take the readings too serious.

Diabetics should keep insulin in a cool place that’s away from direct sunlight. Too much heat or cold can degrade them. If prone to hypoglycaemia, diabetics should always carry glucose gel, blood glucose tablets, or even plain chocolates or candies may come in handy to raise blood sugar levels. Informing the airport security authorities beforehand that you have diabetes can help.  Keeping time zone changes in mind is equally important. Testing your blood sugar levels often can keep things under control and less panicky.

All said and done, Diabetes can still prove a barrier to long-travel. If you are a diabetic, only proper planning and adequate medication administration can make a trip really enjoyable and safe for you.