You are getting ready to take that holiday you have been planning for some time. It is the first you have taken since being diagnosed with diabetes. Your first thought is “how am I going to cope”? Don’t worry, it isn’t as bad as you think, but any trip needs good planning.

Knowing how long you are going to be away and where you are going is important. If you are not traveling that far away is one kind of situation, but traveling long distances or abroad is another when it comes to being prepared, also how you are traveling, by car, plane or boat.

Keeping  to your dailey routine  is not impossible on short trips or if you are staying in one place,  and you are in the same time zone. This is the trip we will talk about first.

*   Consult with your doctor, let him know you are going away, and  how long you expect to be gone. Get him to verify what meds/insulin you are taking, and make sure you will have enough, plus extra  to see you through your stay.  

*  If you  are on insulin it is a good idea to take a portable cooler to keep your insulin in while travelling.  Be careful not to put it too close to the ice.  When I travel  I  pack my snacks, water, fruit, in first then  my container  for my insulin,  and one for my meds, so things are kept cool but not frozen.

*   Plan your meals on a weekly bases so you have an idea what you can eat, along with any food subsitutions.  You have a better chance of eating properly when eating out if you do.   Try to keep close to your  regular time for eating, and be prepared to have a snack if necessary.  Test your  blood sugar  frequently.

*   Don’t neglet taking your meds.

*   Keep well hydrated if you are travelling in hot weather.

*   Remember to keep in the shade, wear a hat,  and carry your sun screen with you, and good moisturizing cream for your feet , legs, and elbows.  Avoid getting sun burned  in hot weather.

*   Don’t  travel for long periods of time without  getting out of the car and walking, even if it is around the car a few times.  Doing isometric exercises  especially if you are not driving can be great while travelling, this  will help your  whole body  circulation.

*   Most important don’t forget to keep bug spray close at hand and be sure you use it.