There is no reason why a person with diabetes should be away from home. However, she should prepare herself well for going on vacation, especially when she travels to distant corners of the world. Before a diabetic goes on vacation, he must check whether he has packed, among other things, insulin and lancets, as well as blood glucose meter and strips.

Diabetes , if properly treated, doesn't have to limit you at all. If you have diabetes and are planning a vacation, you must first talk to your diabetologist. The doctor will know best whether the patient's he alth allows, for example, for an active rest or a trip to the tropics. Perhaps some additional research will be necessary. In addition, a diabetic should check exactly what conditions prevail in the place where he is going and what diet he can count on there. When going on vacation, for example with a travel agency, it is necessary to tell the organizers that you have diabetes. Being aware of this, a guide, pilot or interpreter will know how to act and what help to provide in an emergency, for example, when the body suddenly becomes low sugar. It is also worth introducing someone from the trip to your affairs with whom you spend the most time (of course, if you travel without relatives or friends).

A travel essential for a diabetic person:

When going on a short vacation, you have to take the so-calleddiabetic passportor information card where it is noted what type of diabetes the patient is suffering from and what it is characterized by. The course of the disease as well as the doses and international names of the medications taken should also be described there. This document can be very important in the event of a sudden loss of consciousness. A person with diabetes should also have a bracelet or pendant engraved with information about the disease. In addition, a diabetic should check if he has in his travel bag:

  • Adequate supply of insulin or anti-diabetic tablets (don't forget to protect your insulin from heat and shocks
  • if it uses pens - one additional dispenser
  • Adequate supply of oral medications she is taking
  • meter (better take spare batteries)
  • supply of lances
  • meter strips (slightly more than usual)
    • Important

    You have diabetes and you are going to exotic placescountries?

    A diabetic who is going on vacation to an exotic country should check with the he alth and safety department whether he needs to be vaccinated against diseases occurring in a given region. This should not be postponed until the last minute, because you may not be able to receive a series of vaccinations in time. For your own safety, regardless of the direction of travel, you should be vaccinated in good time against hepatitis A and B.

    GOOD TO KNOW>>Vaccinations before going abroad (travelers vaccinations)

    What do a diabetic need to remember when traveling?

    1) If someone with diabetes is driving the car, they should plan the route in such a way as to make frequent stops, rest and a snack.

    2) If she flies by plane and crosses time zones, she should set the watch to the local time immediately after arrival and adjust her medication accordingly. For the time needed to acclimatize (i.e. 2-3 days) you should check your blood sugar more often.

    3) A diabetic who spends his vacation in a hot climate should avoid sharp sun (he should not go to the beach between 10 am and 4 pm) and drink a lot of still mineral water. Thanks to this, he will avoid dehydration, which has a negative effect on glycemia.

    4) Protect your legs against abrasions and injuries. To do this, wear comfortable, airy shoes with a flexible sole. It is also recommended to only wear socks made of natural fibers, i.e. wool or cotton. A diabetic person should not walk barefoot on a rocky beach, in a forest, etc., because it is easy to get injured there. You should also spend a lot of time on the daily hygiene of the feet - washing (but not soaking in water for too long), thorough drying and lubrication. Being on vacation, a diabetic can visit, dance, play sports … If he uses common sense, it will be a great vacation.

    You must do it

    When leaving a hotel or guesthouse, do not forget to put in your purse or backpack:

    • a few lumps of sugar or hard candy
    • single doses of insulin (or pen with insulin cartridge) or oral tablets to lower blood sugar
    • meter and strips
    • small drinking water bottle
    • small snack
    • ID card with information about the disease
    • cards with information (preferably in the language of the country) how to proceed if you faint and where to call to report your problems
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    Category:

    Diabetes