Diabetes And Road Travel
Driving yourself over long distances.
There are driving restrictions for diabetics, especially insulin dependant ones, in many countries. For instance insulin dependant diabetics in the UK have restricted 3 year licenses and so it pays to make sure your drivers license is still valid and will remain so for the whole trip if you plan to be away awhile. Also that you are covered by your insurance.
The info below assumes you have been cleared to drive by your local authorities.
1. Check your blood glucose levels before starting out and if they are low eat some carbs and wait for them to stabilise.
2. Plan the trip so that you can keep the same Bg check, injection and meal schedule as you would if you were at home.
3. Also plan to do most of your driving in the early part of the day, when it is cooler and there is less traffic. This will reduce the effect of stress.
4. Keep your diabetic supplies close at hand, but not where they can be affected by heat from the sun or the car’s heating system, or cold from the air conditioning. You want then to be in a cool dark place, as close to room temperature as possible.
5. Also have close to hand a supply of food with which to treat low blood glucose, such as fruit juice or boiled sweets and your usual dextrose/glucose tablets. In a forum I read a tip from a Type 1 diabetic that makes good sense to me. He said trying to grovel in your pocket or your purse (if you are a woman) to find your glucose tablets when having a hypo while driving can be a difficult and sometimes frightening experience, depending on the urgency of the problem. He suggested sticking one side of a piece of Velcro to your dashboard, somewhere within easy reach, and then the opposing piece of Velcro to your tube of glucose tablets. That will make them easily accessible in an emergency and removes any feelings of panic.
6. If you feel any of the signs of hypoglycaemia, e.g. shaking, dizziness, increased heart rate, headache and confusion then pull of the road immediately. Going on ‘to a better spot’ could be extremely dangerous to you, your passengers and other vehicles on the road.
7. Once stopped test your Bg’s. If low, treat them as you usually do, wait for 15 minutes and test again. If they are okay and you are feeling better wait another 10 minutes or so just to be sure, check again and then you can carry on. If necessary you may have to repeat the treatment and testing until your Bg’s read normal.
8. If you suffer from hypoglycaemia unawareness you may have to stop and check your Bg’s much more often. This could be a nuisance but it is worth it if it saves your live and those of your loved ones, not to mention any other folk who could be involved in your accident.
9. If you suffer from travel sickness take a bottle of sweet drink with you in case you cannot eat. You may need to take medication in advance if you know you suffer really badly from this.
10. Finally do what any sensible driver should do – stop every 90 minutes or so and take a short walk to stretch your legs and help you to stay alert.
Travelling by coach.
1. The first thing to remember is that you have no control over the rest stops or meal times. The times may in no way match your medication schedule so you will have to take that into account.
2. You may have to give yourself your insulin while on board the coach. It is possible to slip off to the toilet to do this but if you choose not too and just inject in your seat it may cause a few raised eyebrows amongst the other passengers, especially if they are unaware of your condition. It is up to you, but for myself I would find it easier to just tell any who query what I am doing of my condition, and if necessary show them my identity bracelet or card. I would rather be known as a diabetic than a drug addict!
3. Using an insulin pen is much more convenient. You can actually give yourself your shot without even being noticed.
4. If you are an adventurous type who goes on cost cutting tours in underdeveloped countries and uses syringes it can sometimes be better to take the individually wrapped ones instead of the packs of 10 because keeping things sterile can be an issue.
5. If possible travel with a companion who knows your condition and what to do if problems arise.
It is also best to let the driver or tour representative know of your condition before you start the trip. This is especially important if you are on your own. This will mean there is someone else ‘in the know’ if emergencies occur.
6. There are times when you may battle to get suitable food. This can occur when a coach stops for the midday meal. Roadside cafeterias do not offer a huge selection for the dietary challenged. You will need to take along something that you can eat.
Usually the nights are spent in a place where good food is available and where you will be able to organise with the manager for a few extra sandwiches and some fruit to take with you the next day.
7. Do not forget to take at least 2 litres of bottled water with you.
8. Delays are also possible so don’t forget that important carb containing snack in case you are unable to get to a source of food at your regular mealtime.
9. Remember to take enough supplies to last the period of your holiday plus a week extra just in case. This includes extra strips for your meter because you may have to test more frequently because of the changes in your routine.
10. Upmarket coaches have a fridge that you can ask to put your spare insulin in, but if you are going on a more cost saving tour then you may have to find some other means. A couple of Frio wallets would seem to me to be the best bet as they require no refrigeration at all.
11. If you are going to be travelling for a long time between stops then take a walk up and down the aisle occasionally to keep your circulation going, especially if you have problems in that area already. When you do stop, for however short a time, get off the bus and walk about.
12. Don’t forget the /glucose tablets and glucagon!
13. See the ‘Getting supplies in foreign countries’ section for information that may be of use to you. (At the end of Attention Insulin Users)