1?Talk with your?healthcare provider

Speak to your?healthcare?provider at least?one month before?you leave to let?him or her know?how long you?plan to be away,?and if you’ll be in?a different time?zone. He or she?may need to adjust?your insulin dose,?medicines, or meal?plan. Make sure all?of your medicines?are up-to-date?before you leave?for your trip. ?Your healthcare?provider can?also provide you?with a letter that?says you have?diabetes. Keep?it handy when?you go through?security at the?airport. It should?explain why you?need to bring your?diabetes supplies?with you, and?why they can’t?be put into your?checked baggage.

2?Watch your?portions

Have you noticed that many restaurants?serve huge portions? You don’t have?to pack on the pounds when you?travel. Steer clear of all-you-can-eat?buffets. Food choices at buffets may?be high in salt, unhealthy fats, sugars?and calories, and low in fiber. Plus,?it’s easy to eat too much food if it?is offered in unlimited portions.?Pick a restaurant that serves smaller?portions of tasty food. At dinner,?order an appetizer or lunch portion?as your main course. Enjoy a fresh?salad and grilled or roasted vegetables?on the side. Look for healthy words?on menus, such as broiled, roasted or?grilled. Enjoy a tall glass of water or?unsweetened tea with your meal.

3?Test your?blood glucose

Do the best you can to get your blood?glucose levels to your target range before?you travel. Test more often before your?trip so that you know what changes?you’ll have to make to reach this goal.?Try to test the same amount when you?are away from home. You will enjoy?your trip more if you aren’t worried?about your blood glucose levels.

4?Bring extra?supplies

What if you stay away longer?than you had planned? What?if your flight is late or you’re?caught in a traffic jam? Here’s?the answer: bring at least double?the amount of daily pills,?insulin and diabetes supplies?that you think you’ll need.?Don’t skimp on extra supplies.?Keep your supplies close when?you travel. Make sure snacks and?testing supplies are within reach?at all times. You should always?be able to get your meter or?glucose tablets in case your blood?glucose drops. Clearly mark all?diabetes supplies and keep the
pharmacy’s original labeling?on them wherever possible.

5?Keep?moving

Try to keep up with your exercise?routine when you’re away?from home. Plan to walk every?hour when you travel by air,?bus, train or car. Take a walk to?help prevent blood clots. Need?another reason? Physical activity?can help keep your blood glucose?level within your target range.?Call your hotel before your trip?to find out if there is a gym or?walking path nearby. Wouldn’t?it be fun to take a walk with?your travel partner? You can?exercise and sightsee at the same?time. Plan to stay active each?day, even when you travel.

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