Road Trip

Traveling with diabetes shouldn't be scary or difficult; it just involves some planning. With preparation, you should be able to go anywhere in the world. Here are some tips to follow when you're traveling:

• Make a checklist to make sure you have everything you may need.

• Always carry your diabetes supplies with you. Pack twice as much medication and supplies (insulin, syringes, pump supplies, oral medications, testing strips, lancets) as you are planning to use.

• Carry a full set of supplies in your luggage and a full set with you. It is a good idea to pack extra batteries for your meter in case you are unable to buy any. Use a cool pack for your insulin.

• If you're traveling with your parents or someone else, have them carry the duplicate supplies, just in case.

• In addition to your diabetes supplies, bring glucagon and medications for vomiting and diarrhea.

• Don't worry about your meter or your insulin when going through security. However, if you're concerned about X-rays, ask to have your meter hand-inspected.

• Custom agents deal with people with diabetes daily; however, it's a good idea if you're traveling to another country to take a note from your doctor indicating that you have insulin-dependent diabetes.

• Take real food with you like a sandwich just in case there's no place to eat. Good food choices are fruit, snack bars and peanut butter crackers.

• Don't order the "diabetic meal" on airplanes. The meals are usually meant for adults with Type 2 diabetes and are low in carbohydrates.

• Take an emergency sugar supply to treat hypoglycemia. Good examples are glucose tablets, which won't melt in the heat or get sticky.

• Unless it is really hot, don't put your insulin in a hotel room refrigerator. These small fridges are hard to regulate and you may end up throwing away frozen insulin.

• Carry medical identification with you at all times. It is a good idea to wear a bracelet or necklace and carry a card with you.

• Another good tip is to have your parents put together a copy of your medical records to take with you. Call your doctor's office and ask to get copies of any recent lab results and other tests you may have had. Also, take a copy of your immunization records, letters from other doctors you've seen, the "Discharge Summary" from your last hospital stay and any other important-looking stuff. Have your parents add to the file when you get additional tests or see new doctors, so you'll have it up to date. You never know when you'll be on the road again.

• Your parents may also want to call your health insurance company to find out if there are any limitations on your coverage in other places. If so, they may want to consider supplemental travel insurance to cover emergencies.

• Finally, your diabetes team will have lots of information about traveling with diabetes. Find out all you can and be prepared!