How to Manage Diabetes During Your Summer Travels

Don’t let diabetes hold you back from booking that flight and making lifelong memories – with some preparation and helpful tips for traveling with diabetes, you can easily manage your condition during your summer vacation. Who said you have to choose between health and fun?

Prepare Before You Leave

Before you even leave for the airport, there are many things you can prepare to set yourself up for good diabetes management during your trip. First, ensure you have all your supplies and medications, and visit your doctor to let them know you’re traveling. They might recommend extra supplies or advise how to adjust your diabetes management. Let them know what you plan on doing on your trip (will there be lots of physical activity?) and where you’re going (what’s the climate like, what’s the healthcare like?).

You should always bring extra medication with you on your travels in case some get spoiled or lost or if you have to stay longer than planned. Make sure to pack all your supplies in your carry-on luggage.

Eat Smart

One of the best parts about traveling is the food! While you can still enjoy the cuisine and experience new flavors, do some research before choosing a restaurant to check if there are any diabetes-friendly food options.

Always keep some diabetes-friendly snacks and water in your bag in case. If you have the option, choose the diabetes-friendly meal for your flights when checking in.

Staying Organized

Depending on the type of trip you have planned, you may need to consider different factors for your diabetes management. If you’re traveling to a hot country, your body may adjust how quickly it uses insulin. Check blood sugar levels more often than usual and adjust your diet accordingly.

Hot temperatures can also damage medication and supplies – bring a cooler bag with you to safely store your insulin. Bring hand wipes and sanitizer if you need to check blood sugar levels while on the go. Learn basic sentences in the language of the country you’re visiting, especially related to your health.

Managing your diabetes and staying healthy while traveling is very much possible, and it doesn’t have to take the fun out of your time, either! With some preparation before leaving and extra monitoring during your travels, you’ll be sure to have a healthy, wonderful time away.