Visiting loved ones during the holiday season often involves travel. Typically, the excitement of the season paired with the anticipation of seeing family and friends creates an exhilarating sense of adventure. For a diabetic, however, the sense of adventure could get lost in an overwhelming sea of worry and hesitation. Leigh Ann Brooks, MSN, RN, RDN, CD, CDE, nursing services operational lead, Diabetes Education Center, shares some savvy strategies to find balance and take control of your blood sugar while traveling this year.
Flying
If you routinely take insulin and plan on flying during the holidays, it might behoove you to stop at your physician’s office first to request a letter stating you have diabetes and will need your medical supplies on the plane. This simple step will make transitioning through security a little easier. Also, if you’re wearing an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you should think twice before passing through any airport body scanner or running your devices through the x-ray machine because they could cause some serious damage. Instead, request an alternative pat-down screening by security. It’s also a good idea to keep your insulin, medication and testing supplies in your carry-on bag in case you need them during the flight, which in turn guarantees your insulin is kept at the correct temperature for travel.
Driving
When driving, you’ll want to keep your insulin, medications and meter in the car with you rather than buried in the trunk with your luggage. This affords you easy access while driving with the added benefit of controlling the temperature of your medication, equipment and supplies. Be sure to take these items with you so they remain at room temperature when you travel - adverse temperatures can wreak havoc on a diabetic’s tools. Eating healthy when traveling can also be problematic, but with a little preparation, satisfying and delicious snacks can be within reach. Try packing a cooler of sugar-free beverages, yogurt, cheese, fruit, sandwiches or other mindful options that will prove to be invaluable when traveling by car while limiting unhealthy fast food exploits.
Crossing time zones
Will you be crossing time zones when you travel? Setting alarms for medication and insulin dosing may be a game-changer and help make the transition easier. Remember, being consistent with your normal routine may not be possible but setting alarms and modifying your medication routine may be the key to preventing bouts with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Moving typical dosing times forward or backward in small increments may also help limit the variations in your glucose control. Remember to check your blood sugars more often and adjust intake and activity as needed.
Snacks
Routine meal times and adequate fluid intake prove to be pipe dreams when traveling causing dangerous fluctuations in blood sugars. Keeping healthy snacks such as fruit, veggies, nuts and protein bars on-hand are crucial in maintaining proper glucose control. Drinking ample water and having sugar-free fluids on hand to stay hydrated are also very important.
Maintaining good blood sugar control while traveling can be overwhelming and a bit of a challenge. However, a diabetic diagnosis shouldn’t prevent you from traveling this holiday season. Remember, planning and preparation are the keys to preventing diabetes-related complications. By taking the time to prepare your medication and supplies for your trip, you will be able to relax and enjoy time with family and loved ones this holiday season.
