Holidays and Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it does not mean that you cannot have holidays or that you cannot travel. With the current advances in medical science it is possible to have holidays and even fly to other countries even if you are insulin dependent. Obviously it is always advised that you chat things through with your doctor and to include any advice they may offer, but it is possible to lead a good quality of life with diabetes.

Vacation Planning And Tips

The key thing is planning. Anything is possible from Air Travel to Cruising, from driving to foreign climates to holidaying in your own country. Always plan your excursions so that someone knows when you leave and when you are due to arrive and keep in contact with them if you know you will be late (this is normal courtesy but it also covers you if something unexpected happens). Depending on where you are going, your doctor can advise you of the list of medical supplies you will need while away. The list will probably include things like Insulin doses, diabetic food (always carry snacks and drink in case your sugar levels fluctuate), Insulin pumps (for those who are insulin defendant), and most important of all make sure you wear your medical emergency bracelet (this will alert even those in a different country that you are diabetic should an emergency arise).

If you are staying at an hotel, or cruising it is always best to inform the travel organisers so that they can cater for your diabetes - many vegans would do this too so it is not an unusual request.

With regard to flying and leaving the country, it is important to check with the travel arrangers since they will need to make special arrangements for you. One thing they will need to do is to allow for their metal detectors. It is better for example that they know you have a needle in your arm (if you are insulin dependent) than that you set of an emergency with the detecting system). It is also good for passport control and you will need to seek advice with regard to the best procedures for leaving and entering countries.

Emergency Kit

You will need to get your own version from your doctor but it may well include things like:- Diabetic food and drink, Urine ketone test strips, Glucagon emergency kit, Disposal container for syringes and test strips, Insulin dispensing products (such as vials, pens, preloaded insulin syringes, etc), Lancets, Cotton swabs, Glucometer, Vial of insulin, etc. Basically anything you would normally need in your everyday life plus a few emergency items that you might need.

With planning you can do almost anything. If you are going abroad, it would also be a good idea to learn a few phrases regarding your diabetic needs or at least have them written down in your phrase book. Being diabetic need not mean no holidays or breaks to foreign countries.

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