{"id":1341,"date":"2017-08-18T10:54:58","date_gmt":"2017-08-18T17:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mydiabeticsoul.com\/?p=1341"},"modified":"2017-08-18T10:58:40","modified_gmt":"2017-08-18T17:58:40","slug":"on-the-road-with-type-1-diabetes-t1d-by-eileen-crowley-%e2%80%a2-jdrf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mydiabeticsoul.com\/?p=1341","title":{"rendered":"“On the Road with Type 1 Diabetes )T1D) By Eileen Crowley \u2022 JDRF"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Wages are up, gas prices are down. That means more of us will be traveling this summer. Travel can be as challenging as it is rewarding, especially for people with T1D.<\/p>\n

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According to David Kerr, M.D., Director of Research and Innovation at California\u2019s William Sansum Diabetes Center, people with T1D are afflicted with wanderlust. A study he did in conjunction with the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange found that people with T1D are more likely to have a passport and travel abroad than the general population. For people with T1D who plan to travel this summer, he has some suggestions for staying healthy and safe while you\u2019re on the road:<\/p>\n

Planning:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Kerr recommends that you start with your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Get a letter saying that you have T1D. \u201cIt should say that you have T1D and need to carry on your medical supplies, including sharps like syringes, lancets and injection pens. It goes a long way to avoiding a hassle with security,\u201d says Dr. Kerr.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you\u2019re traveling through multiple time zones, ask your doctor for guidance on adjusting your insulin dosing schedule. Dr. Kerr developed on online tool<\/a> to help. Plug in your destination, travel times, and type of medication and the tool will advise you when to dose and when to check your blood-glucose.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Kerr says it\u2019s especially important for people with long-standing T1D to have their feet checked for neuropathy, as lots of walking or hot sand can result in foot injuries that may escape notice until they become real problems.<\/p>\n

Buy some travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions to make sure costs are covered if you have to disrupt your trip due to illness. \u201cTravel insurance is key,\u201d says Dr. Kerr. \u201cIt would be a disaster to fall because of a low, break your leg and get hit with a huge hospital bill.\u201d He also recommends that you research the area you\u2019ll be visiting and identify local hospitals and pharmacies if you need one in an emergency, and learn how to say \u201cI have diabetes\u201d in the local language.<\/p>\n

Packing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Kerr says you need to think realistically about what supplies you\u2019ll need to cover the amount of time you\u2019ll be away. That includes<\/p>\n

Insulin, Syringes, Injector pens, Test Strips, Lancets, Emergency carbohydrates (glucose pills, juice, snack bars, etc.), Emergency glucagon, Equipment including blood glucose meters, CGMs and insulin pumps [anall the supplies that go with eachof these!], Copies of prescriptions for medications and devices.<\/p>\n

Keep all of the above, especially your insulin, in a carry-on bag. Medications should all be kept together in a clear plastic bag for screening. Do NOT store insulin or a CGM in checked luggage, which is subject to extreme temperatures in a cargo hold.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using an insulin pump, ask the manufacturer for a loaner to use as a back-up while you\u2019re on the road.<\/p>\n

Traveling:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Expect to take longer checking through security lines. Tell TSA agents if you\u2019re wearing a pump and ask for a pat-down, rather than going through the scanner.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you are alone, let people around you know that you have T1D so they can get medical help for you in an emergency.\u00a0 Consider a medical alert bracelet or necklace.<\/p>\n

Upon Arrival:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Consider renting a room refrigerator to store your insulin.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Identify accessible sources of emergency glucose, such as stalls or shops that sell juice, in case of an unexpected low.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Make sure to protect yourself from sunburn, digestive issues and dehydration, which can affect your glucose levels. Carry bottled water, sunscreen and an over-the-counter ant-nausea\/anti-diarrheal medication.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Read menus carefully and be extra vigilant in monitoring your blood sugar. If you don\u2019t know what\u2019s in a local dish, ask so you can adjust your insulin accordingly.<\/p>\n

Dr. Kerr says that having T1D should not be a barrier to seeing the world. \u201cTravel allows people with T1D to have personal experiences they may have felt they could never achieve,\u201d he says. \u201cBeing able to undertake travel\u2019s challenges makes you appreciate how much you can do. I strongly encourage you to take up the challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n