Thursday, February 12, 2009

Diabetics and Travel Part 1

Individuals who have diabetes simply can’t rush to the airport and catch the next flight out. Travel for diabetics requires advanced preparations. Traveling inside North America or Europe is fine, but anywhere else and one can run into problems.

In many countries outside of North America, health care facilities are not well established. Besides the language barrier, one may not even be able to find the right supplies.

Prior to any trip, even if it is in North America, prepare well ahead of time. Go and see your health care provider to ensure that there are no immediate problems with your diabetes. If you are a diabetic and have an immediate problem like elevated sugars, ketones in the urine, fever or vomiting, the best advice is to cancel your trip.

All diabetics should carry a letter from the physician which explains the disease, your overall health and what medications you are presently taking. In addition, one should always get a prescription for additional medical supplies for the trip. You never know with travel these days. Reports of lost luggage are a daily occurrence..

Besides medications, all diabetics should also carry extra supplies of syringes, lancets, glucose meter and other accessories. Take enough to last for the duration of the trip. Never think that you will buy extra supplies at your destination. If you are carrying syringes with you, do declare them with customs prior to your trip otherwise you will have unnecessary delays trying to explain your situation when you come back.

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