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Traveling With Diabetes


Traveling With Diabetes -- Posted by Gumbo on 11-14-04 19:46

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Traveling With Diabetes
a.. Assembling A Travel Folder=20
b.. Packing=20
c.. Traveling With Insulin=20
d.. Getting From Here To There=20
e.. Air Travel: Security=20
f.. Air Travel: On Board Your Flight=20
g.. Crossing Time Zones=20
h.. Traveling Abroad=20
i.. Upon Arrival=20
j.. Caring For Your Feet

While living with diabetes can pose challenges, as long as it is managed =
conscientiously, most people with the disease can lead full lives. That =
includes following where their hearts lead. In most instances, all it =
takes to make traveling pleasurable and reasonably worry-free is a bit =
of thought and careful planning.


Your primary goal in charting your trip is to minimize your chances of =
becoming ill or injured while away from home. That means anticipating =
any disease-related risks. Your destination will have much to do with =
the plans you make as well as the risks you assume. Some places - =
developing countries, for example - are more likely to present problems. =
The length of your trip and the types of accommodations you make are =
also important factors to weigh. Nevertheless, if you take sensible =
precautions, you will more than likely be able to stay healthy and enjoy =
your adventure.=20


Before any long trip, schedule a medical exam and consultation with your =
doctor. He or she will make sure that your diabetes is under control =
and, if not, will help you get it under control before you leave.


Discuss your immunization history with your doctor. Appropriate =
immunizations not only protect you from disease, but some countries =
require certain immunizations to protect their own citizens from =
imported diseases. If you anticipate that you will need vaccinations, =
make sure there is enough time to recuperate before the trip, should the =
shots make you sick.

Assembling A Travel Folder

With your doctor's help, put together a travel folder containing all =
medical and other relevant information. Be sure to label it with your =
name, address, phone number, doctor's name and number as well as an =
emergency contact number.


Include the following:


a.. A complete travel itinerary

b.. A detailed description of how to manage your diabetes, whether =
with pills or insulin injections; the number of syringes, other =
medications and devices you use. List any allergies you have as well as =
any foods or medications to which you are sensitive.

c.. A prescription for insulin or diabetes pills in case of emergency=20

d.. A general health report, including lab tests and results within =
the last six months; most recent electrocardiogram; immunization =
records; summary of hospitalizations, current illnesses and surgeries

e.. If you're traveling in a foreign country, a list of organizations =
and medical groups affiliated with the International Diabetes Federation =
can be especially important if you need help in understanding =
prescription laws and standards in other countries. You can get this =
list from:

International Diabetes Federation
1 rue Defacqz
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium

Also, you can get a list of English-speaking foreign doctors from:

International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers
417 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092


No matter where you are traveling, always wear a medical ID bracelet or =
necklace, or at a minimum carry a card that clearly identifies you as a =
diabetic.

Back to top

Packing

Pack more than enough insulin and syringes or pills to last through the =
trip; at least twice as much as you think you'll need is a good place to =
start. This recommendation goes for blood-testing supplies as well. Pack =
half in a bag you can keep with you when you're flying, hiking or just =
sightseeing so that your medication is with you at all times.=20


In general, you'll need:


a.. Insulin and syringes and/or oral medications. If you're traveling =
with someone else, ask your companion to carry duplicate supplies. =
Consider bringing an extra set of unopened insulin vials, in the event =
one breaks.

b.. Blood- and urine-testing supplies (including extra batteries for =
your glucose meter)=20

c.. A supply of small juice packs, fruit, well-wrapped crackers, =
cheese, peanut butter, and some form of sugar (hard candy or glucose =
tablets that won't melt or get sticky) to treat low blood glucose. You =
never know when a meal will be delayed or you'll be stuck someplace.

d.. Water bottles

e.. Perhaps a cell phone

Back to top

Traveling With Insulin

Although insulin does not need to be refrigerated, it never should be =
stored in places where it is exposed to extreme temperature. =
Temperatures that are very hot or very cold can diminish its potency. =
Therefore, avoid leaving your insulin in the trunk or glove compartment =
of your car, and don't leave your backpack or travel bag in the direct =
sunlight. Consider bringing a padded or insulated travel pack to protect =
your insulin.=20

Back to top

Getting From Here To There

No matter how you travel, being stationary for too long can cause =
problems with your circulation. Move about as much as possible. If you =
are traveling by car, stop regularly and take a short walk. On a plane =
or train, stroll up and down the aisles. On a bus, get out when the bus =
stops.=20

Back to top

Air Travel: Security

If traveling by air, most diabetics need to alert the airline before =
travel that they will need to carry medical supplies on board. This is =
true if you will be carrying lancets for glucose testing or insulin =
syringes.


The airline will inform you if you are required to provide specific =
documentation about your medical needs and about the items that will be =
carried. You should carry any such documentation with you through all =
airport security gates, and you should carry your own supplies or stay =
with your traveling companion who is carrying them.


Despite the limitations on carrying most sharp objects onto a commercial =
flight, you are permitted to bring lancets and an unlimited supply of =
insulin syringes on board, according to the U.S. government's =
Transportation Security Administration (TSA). If you are carrying =
insulin syringes, you must also carry insulin. According to the TSA, =
insulin must be labeled with either a professionally printed label or a =
manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label. This rule applies whether =
or not the insulin is preloaded into a pen or syringe.


As you go through an airport screening checkpoint, notify the screener =
if you have any implanted medical devices such as an insulin pump that =
may set off the alarm on the metal detector. Some people worry that the =
security X-rays will affect their glucose meter or insulin. There's =
seldom a problem, but if you have any concern, ask to have your carry-on =
bag hand-inspected.=20

Back to top

Air Travel: On Board Your Flight

On long flights, it is also a good idea to order special meals that are =
low in calories and cholesterol. However, be sure to ask at least two =
days before the flight; otherwise, the airline may not have sufficient =
time to honor the request.=20


Be careful if you have to inject insulin while in the air. It's more =
likely that you will inject air into the vial. And because the =
pressurized atmosphere can cause resistance in the plunger, precise =
measuring can be more difficult.=20


Don't take your insulin until you are about to be served your meal. =
Service is typically slower than anticipated, and a delay or mix-up can =
cause a precipitous drop in blood glucose.=20

Back to top

Crossing Time Zones

Although seldom a consideration under different circumstances, crossing =
time zones takes on a whole new dimension when you have diabetes. Talk =
to your doctor, with flight schedule in hand, so that you can plan the =
timing of your insulin injections when you travel.


If you are traveling east, the day will be shorter, so you may need less =
insulin. If you are traveling west, the day will be longer, so you may =
need more insulin.


Be sure to keep track of your meals and injections as you pass from one =
time zone to another. To be on the safe side, do not change your watch =
to the new time until the morning after your arrival.

Back to top

Traveling Abroad

If you are traveling abroad, carry the address of the American Consulate =
in the countries you'll visit in case you experience a medical =
emergency. You also can contact American Express or the local medical =
schools for a list of doctors.=20


Learn how to say "I have diabetes" or to ask for sugar or orange juice =
in the appropriate language.


While the standard strength of insulins used in the United States is =
U-100, in other countries, insulins may come as U-40 or U-80. If you =
need to use these, you will need to buy appropriate syringes so that you =
don't make a mistake in your dosage.

Back to top

Upon Arrival

Measure your blood-glucose level as soon as you can upon landing. =
Because a long flight usually disturbs your normal routine, expect your =
blood sugar to be somewhat high.=20


After a long flight, take it slow the first day or so and make sure you =
have time to rest. Follow these tips throughout your visit:


a.. Plan your activities around your insulin and meals.=20
b.. Check your blood-glucose levels often.=20
c.. Don't forget to bring snacks wherever you go.=20
d.. Watch what you eat and drink. Drink bottled water and avoid tap =
water - including ice cubes - when you are overseas.

Back to top

Caring For Your Feet

Other rules of self-care apply even when you're on vacation. As always, =
watch your feet.


a.. Don't wear new shoes.=20
b.. Check your feet daily.=20
c.. Tend to any blister with a mild antiseptic and cover with a small =
gauze pad held in place with non-allergic tape.=20
d.. Resist the temptation to break blisters.=20
e.. Be careful not to walk barefoot on hot beach sand or in areas =
where you can cut your feet. Instead, wear beach or water slippers or =
sandals at all times.


Perhaps the most important tip: With all this planning and preparation, =
don't forget to have a good time.
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charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable



charset=3Diso-8859-1">





Traveling With Diabetes




While living with diabetes can pose challenges, as =
long as it=20
is managed conscientiously, most people with the disease can lead full =
lives.=20
That includes following where their hearts lead. In most instances, all =
it takes=20
to make traveling pleasurable and reasonably worry-free is a bit of =
thought and=20
careful planning.



Your primary goal in charting your trip is to =
minimize your=20
chances of becoming ill or injured while away from home. That means =
anticipating=20
any disease-related risks. Your destination will have much to do with =
the plans=20
you make as well as the risks you assume. Some places =97 developing =
countries,=20
for example =97 are more likely to present problems. The length of your =
trip and=20
the types of accommodations you make are also important factors to =
weigh.=20
Nevertheless, if you take sensible precautions, you will more than =
likely be=20
able to stay healthy and enjoy your adventure.



Before any long trip, schedule a medical exam and=20
consultation with your doctor. He or she will make sure that your =
diabetes is=20
under control and, if not, will help you get it under control before you =

leave.



Discuss your immunization history with your doctor. =

Appropriate immunizations not only protect you from disease, but some =
countries=20
require certain immunizations to protect their own citizens from =
imported=20
diseases. If you anticipate that you will need vaccinations, make sure =
there is=20
enough time to recuperate before the trip, should the shots make you =
sick.


Assembling A Travel =
Folder


With your doctor's help, put together a travel =
folder=20
containing all medical and other relevant information. Be sure to label =
it with=20
your name, address, phone number, doctor's name and number as well as an =

emergency contact number.



Include the following:





  • A complete travel itinerary

  • A detailed description of how to manage your diabetes, whether =
    with pills=20
    or insulin injections; the number of syringes, other medications and =
    devices=20
    you use. List any allergies you have as well as any foods or =
    medications to=20
    which you are sensitive.

  • A prescription for insulin or diabetes pills in case of emergency =


  • A general health report, including lab tests and results within =
    the last=20
    six months; most recent electrocardiogram; immunization records; =
    summary of=20
    hospitalizations, current illnesses and surgeries

  • If you're traveling in a foreign country, a list of organizations =
    and=20
    medical groups affiliated with the International Diabetes Federation =
    can be=20
    especially important if you need help in understanding prescription =
    laws and=20
    standards in other countries. You can get this list =
    from:

    International=20
    Diabetes Federation
    1 rue Defacqz
    B-1000=20
    Brussels
    Belgium

    Also, you can get a list of =
    English-speaking=20
    foreign doctors from:

    International Association for Medical =
    Assistance=20
    to Travelers
    417 Center Street
    Lewiston, NY =
    14092



No matter where you are traveling, always wear a =
medical=20
ID bracelet or necklace, or at a minimum carry a card that clearly =
identifies=20
you as a diabetic.


href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a0929041.htm#top">Back to =
top


Packing


Pack more than enough insulin and syringes or pills =
to last=20
through the trip; at least twice as much as you think you'll need is a =
good=20
place to start. This recommendation goes for blood-testing supplies as =
well.=20
Pack half in a bag you can keep with you when you're flying, hiking or =
just=20
sightseeing so that your medication is with you at all times.



In general, you'll need:





  • Insulin and syringes and/or oral medications. If you're traveling =
    with=20
    someone else, ask your companion to carry duplicate supplies. Consider =

    bringing an extra set of unopened insulin vials, in the event one =
    breaks.

  • Blood- and urine-testing supplies (including extra batteries for =
    your=20
    glucose meter)

  • A supply of small juice packs, fruit, well-wrapped crackers, =
    cheese,=20
    peanut butter, and some form of sugar (hard candy or glucose tablets =
    that=20
    won't melt or get sticky) to treat low blood glucose. You never know =
    when a=20
    meal will be delayed or you'll be stuck someplace.

  • Water bottles

  • Perhaps a cell phone


href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a0929041.htm#top">Back to =
top


Traveling With Insulin


Although insulin does not need to be refrigerated, =
it never=20
should be stored in places where it is exposed to extreme temperature.=20
Temperatures that are very hot or very cold can diminish its potency. =
Therefore,=20
avoid leaving your insulin in the trunk or glove compartment of your =
car, and=20
don't leave your backpack or travel bag in the direct sunlight. Consider =

bringing a padded or insulated travel pack to protect your insulin. =


href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a0929041.htm#top">Back to =
top


Getting From Here To =
There


No matter how you travel, being stationary for too =
long can=20
cause problems with your circulation. Move about as much as possible. If =
you are=20
traveling by car, stop regularly and take a short walk. On a plane or =
train,=20
stroll up and down the aisles. On a bus, get out when the bus stops. =


href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a0929041.htm#top">Back to =
top


Air Travel: Security


If traveling by air, most diabetics need to alert =
the airline=20
before travel that they will need to carry medical supplies on board. =
This is=20
true if you will be carrying lancets for glucose testing or insulin=20
syringes.



The airline will inform you if you are required to =
provide=20
specific documentation about your medical needs and about the items that =
will be=20
carried. You should carry any such documentation with you through all =
airport=20
security gates, and you should carry your own supplies or stay with your =

traveling companion who is carrying them.



Despite the limitations on carrying most sharp =
objects onto a=20
commercial flight, you are permitted to bring lancets and an unlimited =
supply of=20
insulin syringes on board, according to the U.S. government's =
Transportation=20
Security Administration (TSA). If you are carrying insulin syringes, you =
must=20
also carry insulin. According to the TSA, insulin must be labeled with =
either a=20
professionally printed label or a manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical =
label.=20
This rule applies whether or not the insulin is preloaded into a pen or=20
syringe.



As you go through an airport screening checkpoint, =
notify the=20
screener if you have any implanted medical devices such as an insulin =
pump that=20
may set off the alarm on the metal detector. Some people worry that the =
security=20
X-rays will affect their glucose meter or insulin. There's seldom a =
problem, but=20
if you have any concern, ask to have your carry-on bag hand-inspected. =


href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a0929041.htm#top">Back to =
top


Air Travel: On Board Your =
Flight


On long flights, it is also a good idea to order =
special=20
meals that are low in calories and cholesterol. However, be sure to ask =
at least=20
two days before the flight; otherwise, the airline may not have =
sufficient time=20
to honor the request.



Be careful if you have to inject insulin while in =
the air.=20
It's more likely that you will inject air into the vial. And because the =

pressurized atmosphere can cause resistance in the plunger, precise =
measuring=20
can be more difficult.



Don't take your insulin until you are about to be =
served your=20
meal. Service is typically slower than anticipated, and a delay or =
mix-up can=20
cause a precipitous drop in blood glucose.


href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a0929041.htm#top">Back to =
top


Crossing Time Zones


Although seldom a consideration under different=20
circumstances, crossing time zones takes on a whole new dimension when =
you have=20
diabetes. Talk to your doctor, with flight schedule in hand, so that you =
can=20
plan the timing of your insulin injections when you travel.



If you are traveling east, the day will be shorter, =
so you=20
may need less insulin. If you are traveling west, the day will be =
longer, so you=20
may need more insulin.



Be sure to keep track of your meals and injections =
as you=20
pass from one time zone to another. To be on the safe side, do not =
change your=20
watch to the new time until the morning after your arrival.


href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a0929041.htm#top">Back to =
top


Traveling Abroad


If you are traveling abroad, carry the address of =
the=20
American Consulate in the countries you'll visit in case you experience =
a=20
medical emergency. You also can contact American Express or the local =
medical=20
schools for a list of doctors.



Learn how to say "I have diabetes" or to ask for =
sugar or=20
orange juice in the appropriate language.



While the standard strength of insulins used in the =
United=20
States is U-100, in other countries, insulins may come as U-40 or U-80. =
If you=20
need to use these, you will need to buy appropriate syringes so that you =
don't=20
make a mistake in your dosage.


href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a0929041.htm#top">Back to =
top


Upon Arrival


Measure your blood-glucose level as soon as you can =
upon=20
landing. Because a long flight usually disturbs your normal routine, =
expect your=20
blood sugar to be somewhat high.



After a long flight, take it slow the first day or =
so and=20
make sure you have time to rest. Follow these tips throughout your =
visit:





  • Plan your activities around your insulin and meals.=20
  • Check your blood-glucose levels often.=20
  • Don't forget to bring snacks wherever you go.=20
  • Watch what you eat and drink. Drink bottled water and avoid tap =
    water =97=20
    including ice cubes =97 when you are overseas.


href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a0929041.htm#top">Back to =
top


Caring For Your Feet


Other rules of self-care apply even when you're on =
vacation.=20
As always, watch your feet.





  • Don't wear new shoes.=20
  • Check your feet daily.=20
  • Tend to any blister with a mild antiseptic and cover with a small =
    gauze=20
    pad held in place with non-allergic tape.=20
  • Resist the temptation to break blisters.=20
  • Be careful not to walk barefoot on hot beach sand or in areas =
    where you=20
    can cut your feet. Instead, wear beach or water slippers or sandals at =
    all=20
    times.



Perhaps the most important tip: With all this =
planning and=20
preparation, don't forget to have a good time.=20


------=_NextPart_000_001C_01C4CA9B.BC66ECA0--



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