Diabetic Advice For Different Forms Of Travel
This section gives general and specific diabetic advice for different forms of travel. As it covers a relatively large topic we have divided it up into specific sections. The links to those sections will as usual be found at the end of the introductory text.
Single days out.
If you are on oral medication:-
A day trip for someone on oral meds is usually no problem. Just remember that whatever YOU may have planned things do sometimes go wrong – cars and coaches have been known to break down and trains are notorious for being late! So…….
1. Take extra medications with you.
2. Remember your meter and take extra strips for it.
3. Make sure you carry dextrose/glucose tablets and sweets or fruit juice in case you have low blood sugar.
4. Pack a snack, some form of food containing carbohydrates, such as sandwiches, biscuits, a nutrition bar, some nuts or seeds in case you are unable to get to a source of food at your regular mealtime.
5. Carry at least a two litre bottle of water.
If you are on insulin:-
This is a bit more tricky but most folk are used to coping with school or work so there is not much difference for a day out. The rules are much the same as for folk on oral meds plus….
1. Take spare insulin, 2-3 times more than you think you will need.
2. Make sure the insulin can be kept at a suitable temperature.
3. Take sufficient syringes and a container to hold the used ones.
4. Take both dextrose/glucose tablets and glucagon with you. The latter may be necessary to treat a serious attack of hypoglycaemia if you are unable to get to hospital quickly.
Longer holidays.
Any holiday taken within ones own country, as long as it is a reasonably sized first world country and you are not into extreme adventure holidays, is usually no problem.
You know the conditions and how the system works. Stuff can usually be got to you via the mail or a courier in a reasonable time. If all else fails you can always find a way to get back home. The precautions taken for a day out can be extended to a longer break within your own country.
However most folk like to do something different on their holidays and this very often involves planes, foreign climes and unknown territory. Under these circumstances there are a number of factors that need attention.
Change in your activity levels.
During the journey on coaches, trains, or aircraft, it is advisable for you to get up and walk around for at least 10 minutes every 2 hours to keep your lower limb circulation working properly.
This is especially important if you already have neuropathy and circulation problems.
Remember sitting for long periods can cause an elevation in your blood glucose levels.
You can also do what are called ‘isometric exercises – those you can do in your seat, like pushing your toes against the seat in front of you and thus stretching and relaxing your calf muscles.
During the holiday itself you will also have to take into account the sort of physical activity you are planning. A routine that may be working great for you while you sit at your desk pounding computer keys is not going to be so good if you are planning to spend the holiday climbing Everest or skiing in the Alps. These will greatly increase your risk of hypoglycaemia.
Even lolling on the beach could cause difficulties because you have now decreased your level of activity, which will increase the risk of hyperglycaemia.
On to more specific information - Follow these links to the section of your choice:-
Diabetes And Road Travel.
This section deals with the problems associated with travel by road.
Travelling By Train With Diabetes.
Here are the tips on taking a train holiday
Having Diabetes
And Travelling By Boat.
Your guide to that fantastic boating trip, canal or ocean, here it is!
Flying and Diabetes.
Flying with diabetes can be a bit challenging. In this section we give you the necessary information for you to get on board with the least fuss and have a good trip as well.