Diabetes is a chronic disease that demands a lot of lifestyle changes for it to be managed properly. Right meal timings, regular blood checks, daily exercising, regular daily medications, and at time daily insulin injections/infusion; these are all the tasks that have to become a part of life for a diabetic. Though intimidating at first, a diabetic over the time does get used to them. However, the problem arises when he/she has to travel. How I will exercise during the long flight journeys? What about my meal timings? How much medication do I carry? How will I get my insulin injection done? - These are just some of the questions a diabetic might be riddled with when traveling for the first time. Worry not for! Here, we bring to you the 5 most basic and most essential diabetic supplies that you need to carry when you travel. Follow this guide, and you are all set to embark upon your lovely vacation.
1.Prescription medicines: Calculate how much you need during your travel (back and forth) and during your stay away from your home. Pack twice as much that’s needed. You must always carry all the medications along, so that you are not left going store to store searching for that one generic name on your bottle of pills. Many ports will not allow the medicines to be taken along without the prescription, hence it is wise to get a prescription from your physician. It will also be of help in case you fall short of any medicine. Get a fitness certificate from your physician, a prescription for alternate medications if required, and the medications to be taken during common ailments like stomach upsets, cold, flu etc.
2.Insulin kit: In case you are on regular insulin, then a well insulated insulin kit is a must. Make sure that the requisite number of syringes, needles, insulin vials, alcohol swabs, tapes, etc. is all in place. Again, carry double the amount of supply that is required. Insulin must be stored at low temperatures, hence, it is a good idea to carry an ice pack along. This will enhance the shelf life of your insulin solution. Again, do not forget to ask your physician to include these supplies on the prescription, as many airlines will not allow you to carry the kit on-board otherwise.
3.Blood glucose meter: Since you will probably not stick to your desired dietary schedule, it is advisable to carry your blood glucose home testing apparatus along. Do not forget to carry the batteries, double the number of lancets, alcohol swabs, testing strips, and any other supply required for your glucose meter to function effectively.
4.First aid wound dressing kit: Every diabetic is more prone to wound infections than a non diabetic. Though taking care to avoid injuries comes naturally to a long-time diabetic, a recently diagnosed person might take some time to get used to the routine. Carrying a first aid kit will help reduce the chances of infection of the wound and enable faster healing. Make sure that the creams and tinctures you carry are diabetic friendly.
5.Glucagon emergency kit: A pro diabetic is the one who foresees the most unexpected. Though you might take all precautions to avoid hypoglycemia, there might be time when it could suddenly set in. For such times, it is essential to have a glucagon emergency kit easily available, kept at a place where anyone other than you can located it and administer. Alternately, you can carry fast acting glucose to conquer such situations.
Last but not the least, do not forget your daily diet routines and your exercise timings. Remember diabetes is chronic with no cure. One has to accept life with diabetes and learn to enjoy life in this modified way.
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