Traveling can be stressful for anyone - but it can be an extra challenge if you're living with Type 2 diabetes.
Mealtimes, sleep schedules, and exercise routines can all be disrupted, making it more difficult for you to manage your blood sugar.
But with some planning ahead, you can manage your blood sugar while traveling, reduce stress, and stay healthy while you're away from home.
Here are some tips for dealing with each aspect of diabetes management while traveling...
1.
Meal Planning.
If you have booked for a long flight or are taking a cruise, you can book ahead with the airline or cruise line and request diabetic or vegan meals.
You will then get a healthy meal.
It's also a good idea to pick up some easy-to-pack snacks at a health food store or supermarket in case of delays or difficulty in obtaining healthy meals.
When you're traveling, try to stick to your meal plan as much as possible.
You can plan ahead by researching diabetic-friendly restaurants at your final destination.
The website HappyCow.
net offers a healthy eating guide by locations.
If you are changing time zones, adjust your schedule once you arrive so you can keep eating your meals and snacks at regular times just like you would at home.
2.
Exercise.
Exercising is now an important part of your lifestyle and blood sugar management.
Before you travel, you can also do research on where to exercise once you arrive at your vacation destination.
Or, find fun new ways to exercise...
and make sure you pack suitable shoes and socks for walking and other workouts.
3.
Insulin and diabetes medications.
Chat with your doctor and explain your travel plans.
Your doctor can give you prescriptions for extra doses of insulin to take with you, and can write a letter explaining you are a Type 2 diabetic and give details of your prescribed medications.
Your doctor can help you figure out how to successfully adjust your insulin schedule if you'll be changing time zones.
If you're flying, pack your diabetes medications and supplies in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag gets lost or delayed.
You can find a list of diabetic supplies you're permitted to pack on the TSA website.
You'll also need to tell the TSA agent you are a Type 2 diabetic when you go through security.
During travel check your blood sugar more often than usual, as it may be affected by changes in your schedule, the food you are eating, and stress.
This way you can make any adjustments necessary to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level.
Mealtimes, sleep schedules, and exercise routines can all be disrupted, making it more difficult for you to manage your blood sugar.
But with some planning ahead, you can manage your blood sugar while traveling, reduce stress, and stay healthy while you're away from home.
Here are some tips for dealing with each aspect of diabetes management while traveling...
1.
Meal Planning.
If you have booked for a long flight or are taking a cruise, you can book ahead with the airline or cruise line and request diabetic or vegan meals.
You will then get a healthy meal.
It's also a good idea to pick up some easy-to-pack snacks at a health food store or supermarket in case of delays or difficulty in obtaining healthy meals.
When you're traveling, try to stick to your meal plan as much as possible.
You can plan ahead by researching diabetic-friendly restaurants at your final destination.
The website HappyCow.
net offers a healthy eating guide by locations.
If you are changing time zones, adjust your schedule once you arrive so you can keep eating your meals and snacks at regular times just like you would at home.
2.
Exercise.
Exercising is now an important part of your lifestyle and blood sugar management.
Before you travel, you can also do research on where to exercise once you arrive at your vacation destination.
Or, find fun new ways to exercise...
- take a regular walk along the beach, or
- go for a bicycle ride around a new town,
- golf can be great exercise if you walk the course, or
- libraries are great sources for exercise videos and DVDs.
and make sure you pack suitable shoes and socks for walking and other workouts.
3.
Insulin and diabetes medications.
Chat with your doctor and explain your travel plans.
Your doctor can give you prescriptions for extra doses of insulin to take with you, and can write a letter explaining you are a Type 2 diabetic and give details of your prescribed medications.
Your doctor can help you figure out how to successfully adjust your insulin schedule if you'll be changing time zones.
If you're flying, pack your diabetes medications and supplies in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag gets lost or delayed.
You can find a list of diabetic supplies you're permitted to pack on the TSA website.
You'll also need to tell the TSA agent you are a Type 2 diabetic when you go through security.
During travel check your blood sugar more often than usual, as it may be affected by changes in your schedule, the food you are eating, and stress.
This way you can make any adjustments necessary to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level.
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