Traveling is something that many people enjoy, but the whole process can be risky and tiresome for those living with diabetes. If you're planning to take a trip away from home any time soon, be sure to plan well in advance. Follow these 5 travel tips for diabetics to ensure that you can reach your destination safely and get back home in good health.
1. Stay Healthy
Everyone hears about the health risks associated with traveling, but shockingly few take precautions to guard themselves. Spending so much time in close quarters with dozens of other people, some of whom may be sick, puts you at risk for infection. You may also be using airport facilities that are used by thousands of other people from all over the world every day. Boost your immune system before traveling, and consider getting a flu shot as well. Wash your hands often to stay sanitary and germ free.
2. Stay Active While Traveling
It is important to get regular exercise when you are living with diabetes, but it is not easy to do so while traveling. As tiring as a day of travel can be, it usually involves a lot of sitting down--whether it's on a bus, train, plane, or at the airport. Whatever your mode of travel, be sure to get up and walk around periodically to get as much physical activity as possible. If your flight has one or more stops, take a walk around the airport rather than sitting by your gate.
3. Bring Your Own Food
Food is a serious concern for diabetics, and the food available to travelers is not often of good quality. Airline food is not going to be a healthy bet in most cases, and the offerings at transportation hub food courts are equally sketchy in
general. The best way to prepare for your travels is to pack your own food. You know better than anyone what foods work for you, so pack a meal and sufficient snacks according to your regular eating habits.
4. Be Conscious of Time Zones
Staying on your regular medication schedule can be difficult, but it is very important if you want to stay healthy while traveling. Time zone changes can set you off by several hours, depending on how far you're traveling, so be conscious of this effect. It may be a good idea to keep your watch set to your home time zone and update your mobile phone to your destination's local time. This way, you can stick to your regular routine without getting confused by the shift of hours.
5. Pack More Than You Need
When packing your blood test strips, insulin supplies, and all other medical items, pack more than you think you'll need. It always pays to be prepared, and this is especially true when considering your medical condition. It is recommended that you pack twice as much as you need, and be sure to place all medical items in carry-on luggage if you're flying. Follow these easy tips and you'll have healthy and safe travels for years to come!
1. Stay Healthy
Everyone hears about the health risks associated with traveling, but shockingly few take precautions to guard themselves. Spending so much time in close quarters with dozens of other people, some of whom may be sick, puts you at risk for infection. You may also be using airport facilities that are used by thousands of other people from all over the world every day. Boost your immune system before traveling, and consider getting a flu shot as well. Wash your hands often to stay sanitary and germ free.
2. Stay Active While Traveling
It is important to get regular exercise when you are living with diabetes, but it is not easy to do so while traveling. As tiring as a day of travel can be, it usually involves a lot of sitting down--whether it's on a bus, train, plane, or at the airport. Whatever your mode of travel, be sure to get up and walk around periodically to get as much physical activity as possible. If your flight has one or more stops, take a walk around the airport rather than sitting by your gate.
3. Bring Your Own Food
Food is a serious concern for diabetics, and the food available to travelers is not often of good quality. Airline food is not going to be a healthy bet in most cases, and the offerings at transportation hub food courts are equally sketchy in
general. The best way to prepare for your travels is to pack your own food. You know better than anyone what foods work for you, so pack a meal and sufficient snacks according to your regular eating habits.
4. Be Conscious of Time Zones
Staying on your regular medication schedule can be difficult, but it is very important if you want to stay healthy while traveling. Time zone changes can set you off by several hours, depending on how far you're traveling, so be conscious of this effect. It may be a good idea to keep your watch set to your home time zone and update your mobile phone to your destination's local time. This way, you can stick to your regular routine without getting confused by the shift of hours.
5. Pack More Than You Need
When packing your blood test strips, insulin supplies, and all other medical items, pack more than you think you'll need. It always pays to be prepared, and this is especially true when considering your medical condition. It is recommended that you pack twice as much as you need, and be sure to place all medical items in carry-on luggage if you're flying. Follow these easy tips and you'll have healthy and safe travels for years to come!