FRIDAY, Dec. 23 (HealthDay News) -- If you have diabetes and
plan on traveling this holiday season, there are certain things you
need to do to safeguard your health, says a University of Alabama
at Birmingham expert.
"I tell patients, especially type 1 diabetics, to be diligent about blood sugar control when they travel -- especially across time zones -- because it's easy to lose control of your glucose management when you get out of your usual routine," Dr. Fernando Ovalle, director of the UAB Multidisciplinary Diabetes Clinic and a senior scientist in the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center, said in a university news release.
When traveling in the United States or to most places in Europe,
you should pack twice as much medication and blood-testing supplies
as you think you need. If traveling to places where medical
resources may be scarce, pack three to four times that amount,
Ovalle recommended.
Pack at least one set of medication and supplies in a carry-on
bag and keep the bag with you at all times so you always have
medication on hand, even if your checked baggage is delayed or
lost.
Reduce the risk of airport hassles by carrying a letter and
prescription from your doctor. The letter should outline the
treatment for your diabetes (such as, "take diabetes pills or
insulin shots") and list syringes, insulin and any other
medications or devices you use.
If you're traveling across time zones, start adjusting your
medication times for insulin in increments in the days before you
depart. If the time change is more than four hours, ask your doctor
to create a new dosing schedule in order to reduce your risk of
making a mistake, Ovalle said.
If you're traveling long distances, make sure you move around or
get up and walk at least every hour or so. People with diabetes are
at increased risk for blood clots and movement can help prevent
them.
People with insulin pumps need to be careful when flying.
Research has shown that changes in airliner cabin pressure during
flights can cause insulin pumps to deliver too much insulin when
the plane is climbing, Ovalle said.
"Individuals with diabetes who are extremely sensitive to insulin may want to consider disconnecting the device before taking off and while the plane is ascending, as well as checking the insulin supply for air bubbles upon landing," he suggested.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips
for
managing diabetes during the holidays.