Since her 2021 diabetes diagnosis, Stephanie Guignard, a nurse practitioner, has made it her mission to educate people on how to manage and travel with diabetes. It’s a passion that grew out of her own frustration with managing her blood sugar.
“I don’t think having diabetes should ruin your life,” Guignard tells Travel Noire.
Diabetes is a condition that happens when a person’s blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It develops when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or any at all, or when the body isn’t responding correctly to the effects of insulin. There are several forms of diabetes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Type 2 is the most common and happens when your body doesn’t make enough insulin. It also occurs when your body’s cells do not respond to insulin (insulin resistance).
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas for unknown reasons. While it’s usually diagnosed in children and young adults, it can develop at any age. Gestational diabetes develops in women during pregnancy. While it usually goes away after child birth, women have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Travel Challenges People With Diabetes Commonly Face
Travel days can be a stressful and testy experience for everyone. Still, it can disrupt the routine for the estimated 571 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 who the International Diabetes Federation estimates are living with diabetes. People with diabetes must consider the potential impact of flight delays or cancellations, as these can result in shifted meal times that may affect their blood sugar levels.
In a recent study published in Science Direct, patients with diabetes reported having unique travel concerns, especially for international travel, compared to people who did not live with the condition.
Some concerns for people living with diabetes include traveling through airport security with supplies such as needles, insulin, and medication storage, preparing diabetes care-related supplies, meal access, and changes to activity, climate, and environmental conditions that could impact glucose levels. Other concerns for patients include adapting to new time zones and accessing medications or a healthcare facility in the event of a medical emergency.
For Guignard, she has faced these challenges first-hand.
“One time, I was stuck in Colorado for an extra five days, and luckily, I had enough medication,” she recalls. “People with diabetes have to constantly plan for getting stuck somewhere, having prescriptions, knowing what clinic is near, or where the medic station is at a resort or on a cruise.”
Actionable Travel Tips For People With Diabetes
Traveling with diabetes can feel like a daunting task. However, with proper planning, patients can enjoy a range of travel options, including camping in the mountains, a week on the beach, a road trip adventure, sightseeing across Africa or Europe, and much more. Here are some helpful tips for a stress-free travel experience.
Before You Go
Visit your regular doctor to ensure you’re fit to travel and discuss tips on managing your diabetes while on the go, as every case is unique. Once cleared, this is a good time to request refills and discuss any additional medications or prescriptions you may need for your journey.
“Your insurance company may deny a refill of the extra prescription because it’s too early, but you can always try to get extra doses of medications,” Guignard adds. “It’s always a good idea to ask your doctor for the prescription and be sure to take a copy with you so that you can obtain it from a local doctor or pharmacist.”
While packing, place all medical supplies and healthy snacks in your carry-on, where you can easily access them. Guignard, who has a free guide on taking control of Type 2 diabetes, says a good rule of thumb is to pack twice as much medicine as you think you will need. Never pack these items in a checked bag.
For travelers going through airport security, U.S. airports allow individuals with diabetes to bring more than 3.4 ounces of liquids in carry-on bags, enabling them to travel with liquid medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the override in liquid restrictions allows travelers to carry fast-acting sugar sources, such as juice or gel packs, to keep insulin cool. Check the rules and regulations at international airports for liquids and medications.
While Traveling
Insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) could damage X-ray machines, so ask TSA agents for a hand inspection. The most critical advice for patients who are traveling is to pack plenty of healthy food options and water. For road trips, pack a cooler with essential food items, and if you’re flying, pack fruit and nuts.
It’s also ideal to wear comfortable walking shoes, compression socks, and take breaks during road trips to stretch and walk around. Walk up and down the aisles every hour or two on planes and trains to avoid blood clots.
When traveling through multiple time zones, track the time of your medication by writing notes in your phone or journal, setting an alarm to stay on track, and using apps such as Medisafe and Dosecast to minimize the risk of taking too much or too little.
Once You Arrive
Regularly check your blood sugar to spot highs and lows from your travel. Enjoy new foods in moderation and be mindful of alcohol consumption, as it can spike glucose levels.
“I always encourage my patients to get out there, explore, try new foods, and exercise while making sure they have items such as glucose tablets, comfortable shoes, and prescriptions,” Guignard says.
While Guignard believes people with diabetes do not have to worry about avoiding specific destinations, it’s imperative to watch the heat. High temperatures, dehydration, and sunburn can impact blood sugar levels, the CDC warns. Diabetic patients should avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine, like coffee and energy or sports drinks, as they can lead to water loss and spike their blood sugar levels on really hot days.
Wear sunscreen and a hat when you’re outside, as sunburn can increase your blood sugar levels. Remember, heat can damage your blood sugar monitor, insulin pump, test strips, and other diabetes equipment. Please keep them in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them in a hot car, near a pool, in direct sunlight, or on the beach.
Have A Plan
Additionally, have your healthcare provider prescribe insulin or diabetes medication. Be sure to bring more than enough of your medication and syringes to last throughout the trip. However, in the event of an emergency, the prescription may be beneficial.
Prescription laws may vary significantly in other countries. If you’re traveling abroad, contact International Diabetes Federation groups for more information. You may also want to get a list of English-speaking health care providers in the countries you’re traveling to before you leave.
Don’t be afraid to wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that shows that you have diabetes. If you’re traveling to other countries, learning a few key phrases in the local language could be helpful. Learn phrases such as “I have diabetes,” or “Sugar or orange juice, please.” Purchase travel insurance in case you miss your flight or require medical attention.
“We’re not stuck. It’s not inevitable that we’re going to have complications. The more people are aware and educated about what you can do, little small things every day, you can prevent complications,” says Guignard.
