Summer vacation is a great time to take a break from your usual routine, relax, and let your hair relax. But just because you’re enjoying your time away doesn’t mean your diabetes is also taking a break.
By planning a diabetes-friendly vacation ahead of time, you can have a fulfilling vacation without harming your blood sugar levels and risking long-term side effects from your holiday. These guidelines from Thomas Nguyen, MD, and our team at Nguyen Medical Group, in Boynton Beach, Florida, help you take a trip that’s fun and also balances your diabetes.
To minimize your risk of emergencies while you’re on the road, get a clean bill of health before you leave. Make sure to see our team for your annual physical or diabetes check if you’re due.
At the appointment, our team can help you prepare for your trip and manage your diabetes while you’re away. If needed, we adjust your medications or update your vaccinations to help you reach optimal health.
Take everything you use to manage your diabetes on your trip, including extra supplies in case you experience delays on your way home. This could include:
If you’re flying, take all of your equipment in your carry-on luggage. TSA allows you to bring all diabetes equipment and medication, without regard to the carry-on liquid allowance, as long as everything is labeled.
During travel and after arrival, ensure your equipment is stored safely and properly. Know the location of the nearest pharmacy to your vacation home in case you need anything additional.
It can be easy to end up on vacation with your blood sugar dipping and nothing to eat. You can prevent problems by packing easily accessible healthy snacks and water wherever you are on your vacation.
It’s common to eat out more often on vacation, and making diabetes-friendly choices becomes critical. Get restaurant menus in advance whenever possible to help you make good choices and enjoy everything in moderation.
If you’re flying and being served a meal on board, you can request a diabetes-friendly meal in advance.
Summer vacation can involve a lot of time outside. When you’re active, wear sandals on the beach and supportive, diabetes-friendly shoes for activities on land.
When you’re traveling and sitting down much of the day, stop the car or get up from your seat on the plane at least once an hour to encourage blood flow. Consider wearing compression stockings on airplanes.
Maintain your daily routine of checking your feet for cuts, blisters, calluses, and corns, and let our team know if anything looks concerning.
New activities and time zone changes can make it harder to remember to check your blood sugar. Maintain your routine by setting alarms and always having your equipment available.
Have a plan for what to do if you run into an emergency, especially if you’re staying in a remote or rural area. Know what the nearest hospitals, medical centers, and pharmacies are to your vacation spot.
Carry supplies at all times so you can deal with any problems that arise. If the worst happens, wearing a metal bracelet with your medical details makes it easier for emergency service personnel to give you the best care.
Our team can help ensure your diabetes remains stable and well managed before and during your vacation. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
