5 tips for traveling worry-free with diabetes

My motto for traveling since I have diabetes is: good preparation before you leave provides more freedom during your trip.

Below you will find five tips for traveling with diabetes:

Plan ahead

Before you travel, make sure that you have enough diabetes supplies for the entire trip. It is important to allow enough time for this so that you do not overlook anything and do not have to worry about stress on holiday because you do not or do not need to do certain things. enough, you have.

I have a complete checklist that I go through before every trip. I also take sufficient margin in the products I need. For example, my sensor theoretically lasts 7 days, but for a 7-day trip I definitely take 3 to 4 sensors with me.

Based on my list, I prepare all my diabetes supplies a few days before departure, so that there is still some margin if I still have to get something from the pharmacy or ask the hospital.

I add my insulin to a cool bag just before departure and immediately remove it upon arrival and place it in the refrigerator.

For pump users: for some travel destinations you can request a holiday loan pump, you can look this up on the website or ask your diabetes nurse.

An extra tip for people who also use the Guardian sensors and travel by plane: do not let your sensors go through the scanner at the airport. Last year during our summer trip to Spain I had problems with the sensors, they did not last or only lasted a few days. Fortunately, I had enough spare with me, but I then learned that this could be because I had them go through the scanner at the airport. Since then, I put my spare sensors in a transparent bag and ask at the airport checkpoint if they want to check them manually.

You can download the handy checklist at the bottom of this blog post.

Always keep your medications with you

When I travel by plane, I always take everything with me in my hand luggage. You never know when the suitcases will go missing, this way you always have your diabetes supplies with you.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration can affect your blood sugar levels, so it's important to stay hydrated during your trip. Bring a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Stay active

Traveling can disrupt your normal exercise routine, but it's important to stay active. Walk, swim, or do other physical activities during your trip to help regulate your blood sugar levels.

Find the nearest hospital

What I always do when I travel abroad is to look up where the nearest hospital is. This gives me the peace of mind that if necessary, I know where we need to go.

Click here for my handy checklist for traveling with diabetes.

Hopefully, with the above tips and the handy checklist for your preparation, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you have everything you need to manage your diabetes.

Do you have any additions? Be sure to let them know in the comments!