As the weather warms and daylight stretches well into the evenings, thoughts of summer vacation begin to dominate. Taking time off to enjoy friends and family is important, and for those of us fortunate enough to travel, summer vacations can be exciting and rewarding.
If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, planning for your summer vacation will involve a few extra steps. Chuck Osuagwu, MD, and the team at Centerville Medical Center are here to help with some tips on how to prepare for summer travel.
One of the most important things to do while preparing for vacation is to take the time to get your medications in order. This means ensuring that you have enough of your prescription medication on hand to bring with you on your trip.
Though there are pharmacies located throughout the nation, who wants to wait in line at an unfamiliar pharmacy during their limited vacation time? Not to mention the risk that your specific medications might not be in stock when you need them. Pack more than you’ll need in case of an unexpected delay.
Some people prefer to sort their medications into a pill organizer for their trip. For others, keeping medications in their original packaging is an easier approach.
As long as you have your meds with you during your travels, it doesn’t matter how they’re stored. That said, if you’ll have to go through customs on your summer vacation, keeping meds in their pharmacy packaging is the best course of action.
If insulin therapy is part of your ongoing diabetes management, you’ll need to take some extra steps as you get ready for vacation. Insulin should not be exposed to temperatures that are too hot or too cold. The best storage option is often a small cooler or cooler bag with enough ice to keep things cool (but without making direct contact with your insulin).
Your blood sugar testing supplies should also be kept at cool temperatures. Many people use a smaller, waterproof bag to store these supplies in the same cooler as their medication.
Effectively managing diabetes means paying close attention to the foods and beverages you choose, in addition to the timing of your meals. Travel is unpredictable by nature, so be sure to plan ahead to stay on track with your meals and snacks.
If you’re flying, pack some healthy snacks to enjoy at the airport and during the flight. Avoid liquids or gels, as these won’t pass the TSA security checkpoint screening. You can also research which food service options are available at your departure and layover airports.
Road trips are a bit easier when it comes to planning. A larger cooler can hold a wide range of meals and snacks for you and your travel companions. If you need to adhere to a strict meal plan, be sure to label your meals clearly.
Trying new things is one of the most exciting aspects of travel. Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to miss out on sampling new foods and drinks. Just be mindful of how your choices could affect your blood sugar, and if you use insulin, test your levels a little more often than you would at home.
Summer footwear is often less protective than winter shoes and boots. Vacation can also mean time barefoot on the beach or more walking than you’re accustomed to doing.
As you move through your vacation, take a little more time each day to keep an eye on your foot health. Do daily inspections of your feet, including the skin between your toes. If you notice any blisters, small scrapes, or cuts, use an antibiotic ointment and bandage to protect the area.
Above all else, don’t let diabetes ruin your hard-earned vacation time. With a bit of extra planning, you can enjoy your warm-weather vacation and come home rested and rejuvenated.
As always, Dr. Chuck and the team at Centerville Medical Center are here to help with all your diabetes management needs. You can book a visit with Dr. Chuck by calling the office during normal business hours.
We also offer online scheduling, making it easy to connect with the practice any time of day or night.
