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Travel and Diabetes
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 Many lasting memories are created when a family decides to take a vacation. Whether it is a visual of your overstuffed luggage being crammed on top of the car, or the remembrance of feeling cramped alongside a sibling in the backseat, vacations are rarely forgotten. Adding a traveler who has diabetes into the mix can make for an even greater list of priorities. As a traveler who has diabetes, or a parent of a child who has diabetes, it is important to remember which supplies to bring and how to properly pack them.
The American Diabetes Association recommends not only traveling with a letter and a prescription from your doctor, but also ensuring that you bring with more than enough insulin and syringes or pills to last throughout the vacation, just incase of an emergency. If you are traveling abroad, it is critical that you learn how to communicate that you have diabetes or that you need medical care if you are visiting a country where its people may not speak your same language. It is also recommended that a person with diabetes wear a medical bracelet, as it may prove vital should they fall into an unconscious state.
When packing medications and blood glucose testing supplies, it is important to not put everything into one bag. If the bag happens to become lost, you will quickly understand why having a back up bag is so critical. If you are traveling by plane, the American Diabetes Association suggests keeping at least half of your needed diabetes medication and supplies in a carry-on bag, and keeping it with you at all times. Packing should also include your diabetes identity card and having a readily available snack incase ones blood glucose level should become low.
When traveling by airplane, note that the American Diabetes Association has combined efforts with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide travel tips for airplane passengers who need to travel with diabetes medications, equipment, and supplies. The airport screeners are trained and familiar with which diabetes-related supplies are allowed through the checkpoint, but it is recommended that you notify the screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies upon entering the inspection checkpoint. In addition to arriving early to the airport, packing medications in a carry on bag and in a clear bag will help expedite the inspection process. Although having a prescription label is not required by TSA, having it available during inspection will make for a smoother check-in process. Before traveling by plane, you may find it beneficial to review the TSA web site at www.tsa.gov for clarification on how to properly travel with medical supplies. Keep in mind you can also request a hand-inspection of your medication if you are concerned about the effects of using an x-ray machine for inspection of medication.
As a traveler with diabetes, remember you may be entering a different time zone. It is imperative that you not skip your meals while traveling. Even slight changes to dietary intake can have an impact on your blood glucose level. Be sure to note the time differences in where you live and where you are traveling to, and keep eating habits as balanced as possible.
A person who has diabetes or a parent of a child with diabetes will soon discover that even the shortest traveling expedition will require a little extra planning and preparation. However, you will find that taking the time to properly pack and plan for how you will manage diabetes while traveling is well worth the reward of being able to sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation experience.
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2009). When you travel. Retrieved January 9, 2009 from http://www.diabetes.org
Transportation Security Administration: www.tsa.gov
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