Advance Planning
Before you leave, start to think about these easy ways to make the trip easier.
• Include your healthcare team in your plans. See your doctor at least a month before leaving on a long or strenuous trip, or before you go to a remote location. Get any needed immunizations recommended for your destination.1 Schedule this appointment early enough to have time to increase your control, if needed.1
• Find out how to adjust your medication across time zones. While you're at the doctor, show them your itinerary. If you take insulin, your schedule will need to be adjusted to accommodate the time zone of your destination. The simple rule is that you may need to boost your insulin intake whenever the day gets longer (traveling from east to west) and decrease it whenever the day gets shorter (traveling from west to east).1 In addition, you'll want to pay close attention to when you eat and how often you test, because jet lag can mask the symptoms of high or low blood sugar.1
• Learn key phrases. Our Travel Resources page has a downloadable booklet that shows you how to say "I have diabetes," "I need insulin," and other phrases in several languages.1 Also find out how to talk about any other medical problems you may have.
• Stock up on supplies. Make sure you have at least double the amount you expect to need for the length of your trip.1 Don't wait until the last minute, when extra supplies may not be available.
• Call your insurance provider. Get instructions in case you need medical services outside your network or in another country.
• Order a special meal. If you're flying, order the airlines special meal for passengers with diabetes.1
• Locate English-speaking doctors. If you're traveling in a foreign country, research doctors in your destinations from home.1
1 American Diabetes Association. "When You Travel." Accessed February 9, 2007. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/pre-diabetes/travel/when-you-travel.jsp