Diabetes

Whether you're camping or cruising, you can go anywhere and do almost anything. It just takes a little planning ahead to handle your diabetes. Before a long trip, have a medical exam to make sure your diabetes is in good control. Schedule the exam with enough time to work on your control before you depart. On your trip bring:

• The letter to explain what you need to do for your diabetes, such as take diabetes pills or insulin shots.
• The prescription should be for insulin or diabetes pills. You should have more than enough insulin and syringes or pills to last through the trip.
• The prescription may help in the case of an emergency.
• Bring all the insulin and syringes you will need for the trip.
• Blood and urine testing supplies (include extra batteries for your glucose meter).
• All oral medications (an extra supply is a good idea).
• Other medications or medical supplies, such as glucagon, anti diarrhoea medication, antibiotic ointment, antinausea drugs.
• A well wrapped, airtight snack pack of crackers or cheese, peanut butter, fruit, a juice box, and some form of sugar (hard candy or glucose tablets) to treat low blood glucose.
• Keep the insulin with you in the plane as hand luggage. You don’t know when your checked luggage will arrive.
• Remember you travel assurance

You may know about:

• Selfcare
• Self-control
• Balance between food, activity and medicine

Insulin dependent diabetes If you take insulin shots and will be crossing time zones, talk to your doctor or diabetes educator before your trip. Bring your flight schedule and information on time zone changes. Your doctor or educator can help you plan the timing of your injections while you travel. Remember:

• Eastward travel means a shorter day. If you inject insulin, less may be needed.
• Westward travel means a longer day, so more insulin may be needed

Insulin

When you travel with insulin, give some thought to where you'll be storing your supplies.

• Insulin does not need to be refrigerated.
• Insulin stored in very hot or very cold temperatures may lose strength.
• Don't store your insulin in the glove compartment or trunk of your car.
• Backpacks and cycle bags can get quite hot in the direct sunlight.
• If you plan to travel by car or bike or to be out in the elements, take steps to protect your insulin.
• Many travel packs are available to keep your insulin cool.

Food

• More activity and sport than at home
• Changed mealtimes
• Do always have a well-wrapped, air-tight snack pack of crackers or cheese, peanut butter, fruit, a juice box, and some form of sugar (hard candy or glucose tablets) to treat low blood glucose
• Exotic food

Feet

Take care of your feet:

• Wear shoes or sandals, do not walk bare-footed
• Use your own ski boots. Those you can rent may be deformed caused to long use of many people.
• Do exercise with your feet when sitting in aeroplane, train or bus.

Sun

• Use sun protection. Sunburn may change your insulin need