Useful Travel Tips For People With Diabetes To Prevent Sudden Health Issues

Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body handles sugar. The hormone insulin is responsible for controlling the amount of sugar in the blood. People with diabetes either don’t make enough insulin or their body doesn’t use it properly. This can cause problems with the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, gums, and teeth. People with diabetes who are traveling need to be especially careful to keep their blood sugar under control. Here are some tips for managing diabetes while traveling.

Visit Your Doctor

Before traveling, it is important to visit your doctor and update them on your current health condition. They will be able to provide you with updated information on how to best manage your diabetes while traveling. It is also a good idea to bring along any current medication and supplies you may need while on your trip. This will help to ensure that you have everything you need while on vacation. More so,  it is always important to have a copy of your medical history and health insurance card on you in case of an emergency.

Add Glucometer To Your Medicine Kit

Make sure you pack a glucometer and extra test strips in your travel medicine kit. If you are traveling to a foreign country, make sure to also pack medications to treat high blood sugar in case of an emergency. You can check online for stores that sell test strips in case you run out while traveling. This is an important preparation to take when traveling with diabetes. Although not all countries sell the strips, if you have a glucometer and are familiar with how to use it, you can still test your blood sugar levels.

Carry Your Updated Prescription

Carry a copy of your updated prescription with you when you travel, just in case you need it while you are away from home. It is also a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor that explains your diabetes and any medications you are taking. This will help you if you need to see a doctor while you are away. Though, keep in mind that most doctors will have some knowledge about diabetes, so you may not need the letter. However,  it is always a good idea to be prepared.

Buy Travel Insurance

People with diabetes are at a higher risk for health issues while traveling. Make sure you are covered in case of an emergency. They may not be able to pay for your medical expenses if something happens. This also includes checking that your health insurance policy will cover you while you are away. You may also want to consider buying a supplemental policy that specifically covers diabetes. More so,  if you are traveling to a foreign country, make sure you are familiar with the healthcare system there and have contact information for local doctors and hospitals just in case.

Traveling can be a great experience for people with diabetes, but it’s important to take some precautions to prevent any sudden health issues from occurring. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible and that you’re able to enjoy all of the sights and sounds that your destination has to offer.