Posted on: Sunday, May 29, 2005

By Dr. V. Ted Leon
Special to The Advertiser

Summer means travel season for many families.

Given our location, we really have no short trips out of state. To a diabetic, this means taking extra care when planning a summer vacation.

For starters, check with your doctor for a medical exam to make sure your diabetes is in good control. It's important to plan ahead and note if you'll be crossing time zones, what types of food will be available and if you'll be eating at different times of the day.

Be sure to get the necessary immunization shots at least one month before your trip. Also, wear a medical ID bracelet that shows you have diabetes.

Inform your doctor of your upcoming trip and request:

1. A prescription for insulin or diabetes pills for emergency use.

2. A letter detailing your diabetes care and what to do in case of emergency.

3. Instructions on how to adjust your insulin, diabetes pills and meal plan if you will be more active than usual.

4. Instructions on how to adjust your medication and meal plan if you will be traveling across the country or out of the country.

5. Information about SOS evacuation insurance if traveling overseas.

When packing your diabetes medication, be sure you have enough for your trip plus one extra week's supply. And pack at least half of your medication into your carry-on bag and keep it with you so that it's easily accessible at all times.

Here's what you should pack:

• Diabetes pills.

• Insulin and syringes.

• Blood- and urine-testing supplies.

• Extra batteries for your glucose meter.

• Glucagon Emergency Kit (ask your doctor if this is recommended).

• Medical insurance card.

• Your doctor's contact information (ask your doctor how best to reach him — at the office or by e-mail, should you have questions while traveling)

• Prescriptions for all your medications, diabetes supplies and eyeglasses.

Follow your normal schedule of checking your blood sugar. But on the day you're traveling, test your blood sugar more often. Bring snacks for quick sources of sugar to maintain your sugar level. Quick sources of sugar include peanut butter, pretzels, raisins, juice, candy, nondiet soda, hard candy or fresh fruit.

And don't forget to ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin dose should you get sick. Travelers' diarrhea is common and can often cause dehydration, electrolyte and glucose abnormalities. If you're traveling overseas, try to locate the nearest medical facility where you might actually go for care if you do get sick (i.e., U.S. Embassy health clinics, or other preferred quality-of-care clinics or hospitals).

If you're traveling with another person, make sure the person is aware of your diabetes and how to help you in case of a problem. It's a good idea to have this person carry an extra set of diabetes supplies and know when you need glucagon for low blood sugar, and how to administer it.

If you'll be eating food that you haven't eaten before, find out if you're eating a starch, vegetable, meat or fruit. Then make adjustments to your usual meal plan.

Whether you're traveling for work or vacation, you can still manage your diabetes and enjoy your trip.

Just be sure to plan ahead and check with your doctor.

Dr. V. Ted Leon is in family practice and travel medicine at The Queen's Medical Center Travel Clinic. For more information on health concerns when traveling, call 547-4162 or see www.queens.org.