A Brief Guide To Being a Diabetic Globetrotter

A globetrotter is a person who travels frequently to different parts of the world. Most people think that if you have diabetes, you cannot become a globetrotter. But, this is not true. 

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which your body stops producing insulin or produces very little insulin, thereby elevating your blood sugar levels. It can disrupt the normal functioning of your body and make travelling a daunting task. However, having diabetes does not mean you cannot travel. If you are taking precautions, planning your trip properly and controlling your blood sugar levels efficiently, you can easily travel all around the world.   

What Challenges Can You Face as a Globetrotter With Diabetes?

• Keeping your insulin cool while travelling may become a challenge as a globetrotter. It is extremely important to ensure that your insulin does not get warm. Otherwise, it may get spoiled and become ineffective. 
• When you are continuously changing climates and foods, your blood sugar levels may become erratic. Travelling can also make it difficult for you to eat at regular intervals, which can further elevate your blood glucose levels. 
• People with diabetes are more prone to getting infections, especially if the blood sugar levels are not regulated properly. Therefore, they need to be extra cautious to avoid injuries. 
• When you are travelling, there is a good chance that your bags may get stolen or lost. It is challenging for anyone, but for people with diabetes, it can be particularly troublesome as they need to arrange their insulin instantly. 
• While boarding flights, sometimes diabetes patients may face problems due to the medications and insulin injections they carry in their bags. The screening process at the airport may take more time.  

What All Should You Pack in Your Diabetes Kit?  

There are many medical supplies you need as a diabetes patient. Some of these medical supplies that you must always have in your diabetes kit are:

• Oral medications
• Glucose meter
• Insulin pump
• Extra battery for the glucose meter and insulin pump
• Insulin (packed in cold bags)
• Syringes or another device that you use to deliver insulin your body
• Test strips
• Lancing device and lancets
• Glucagon emergency kit
• Fast-acting glucose
• Snacks such as nuts, fruits or juice
• Medical ID card and prescription letter

Tips to Travel Smoothly With Diabetes:

• Always carry two times more medications and insulin than you require and divide them into 2-3 parts. In this case, if one of your bags gets lost or stolen, you will still be left with a reserve. Also, make sure your insulin is always kept in cool bags. Otherwise, they may become ineffective. 
• Carry a letter from your doctor which outlines your health condition and all the equipment you need to carry. This letter will also come in handy in case of a health emergency. 
• Consult with your healthcare team before travelling. They will help you pack your diabetes supplies better and prepare you for any unforeseen problems. 
• Before travelling to a country, check the insulin and diabetes medications available there. Confirm with your doctor which insulin you can use. Also, note down the addresses and phone numbers of the hospitals and pharmacies near your hotel.
• Always carry some snacks such as chocolates, glucose tablets, glucose drinks, etc., in your bag to combat hypo attacks.
• Monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and always eat food in a balanced proportion. Also, try to eat food at regular intervals, especially while crossing time zones. It will help to control the rise in blood glucose levels. 
• Try to prevent infections as much as possible. Drink purified water, eat hygienic food and always wash your hands and feet while travelling.
• Wear a diabetes health card or medical bracelet to inform people that you have diabetes. It will also be very useful in case of a health emergency.

Takeaway:

Just because you have diabetes, you do not need to stop travelling. It is true that people with diabetes need to take more precautions, but they can still travel the world. Remember that the most important key to travelling with diabetes is controlling your blood sugar levels. Rest everything is possible with some planning.   

References:

1. https://www.theglobetrottergp.com/travelling-with-diabetes/
2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-complete-diabetes-travel-kit-3289647
3. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html#:~:text=Packing%3A,you%20think%20you’ll%20need.
4. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/traveling-with-diabetes
5. https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/diabetes
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/diabetes-and-travel-planning-is-key/faq-20419839
7. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/travel
8. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/tips-for-traveling-with-diabetes
9. https://diatribe.org/grid-diabetes-hiking-and-backpacking-wilderness
10. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/your-stories/type-1/backpacking-round-the-world-turned-out-to-be-the-best-five-months-of-my-life
11. https://jdrf.org.uk/stories/try-to-be-laid-back-and-go-with-the-flow/