You have a routine in place to manage diabetes when you are at home and work. And you try hard to eat right and exercise . But any change to your schedule can disrupt your blood sugar (glucose) level. So does this mean you cannot enjoy holidays and vacations? Of course you can! You just need to take the time to talk to your doctor and create a plan that’s right for you.
The holidays are filled with temptations—from five-course meals to fancy alcoholic drinks. When high-calorie and high-fat foods are on the menu, not to mention all of the opportunities to slip away from your exercise routine, how can you manage your diabetes?
Follow these tips to safely navigate the bustling holiday season:
When you have diabetes, going on vacation means extra steps to keep your blood glucose level in check. Taking the time to prepare for your flight or road trip will help you to anticipate and treat problems, like hypoglycemia. These tips can help you to be ready for anything, whether it is a delay at the airport or an extra day in Miami Beach.
Be prepared by ordering the medication one month before your trip. Ask your doctor if the insulin needs to be in a special insulated bag (but never frozen). Most types of insulin can be kept at room temperature. Keep a list of your medications (including the generic names) and have the prescriptions with you.
These may include glucose testing strips, needles, syringes, and ketone testing strips. If you use an insulin pump, bring a back-up pump (including batteries) or an insulin injection kit in case of emergency. Know what your pump settings are. Also pack your glucagon kit, if you are at risk for severe hypoglycemia. When traveling abroad, keep in mind that other countries may not have the same supplies that are sold in the United States.
Flying to a warmer climate? Both the excitement of a trip and the heat can cause hypoglycemia. Testing your levels more often and staying hydrated can help stave off problems.
Check out the Transportation Security Administration’s website. Here you will find the most current information on getting through security. You are allowed to pack your medication and diabetes supplies in your carry-on, and the medication does have to meet the restriction of being three ounces or less. Just be sure your medication has the original labels on it. If you have an insulin pump and are worried about going through the metal detector, be sure to explain this to the security officer. In addition, if you are in line and are having a diabetic reaction, such as hypoglycemia, tell the officer right away.
If you are taking a long flight, call a few days before and ask if they offer a special meal for people with diabetes. Once onboard, ask a flight attendant when the meal will be served, which will give you a timeframe as to when you should give yourself an injection.
But do not just rely on what the airline will serve you. Come to the airport prepared with your own snacks and meal. As long as the food is tightly wrapped and in a spill-proof container, you can bring it through security and onto the plane. Snacks like pretzels, granola bars, and carrot sticks are fine to put in your carry-on. Also remember to pack foods to treat hypoglycemia (like glycogen tablets, sugar packets, hard candy). Once through security, you can buy a drink and bring it onto the plane. If you have checked luggage, pack an extra meal. This may consist of dehydrated soup, a package of tuna fish, and raisins. These items are also great to include if you are taking a road trip.
If you are traveling across time zones, ask your doctor how this will affect when you give yourself an injection and how much insulin you should give. Also, if you use an insulin pump, remember to change the clock setting to the local time. Switching time zones can be especially challenging when you have diabetes, so be sure to frequently check your blood glucose level.
If you have a road trip ahead of you, test your blood glucose level before leaving home. Pack plenty of snacks, meals, drinks, and a kit in case of hypoglycemia. Take breaks so you can check your glucose level and stretch your legs.
If heading for the thrills at an amusement park, talk to the staff in the guest relations office. They may give you a handicapped pass that will reduce the amount of time you spend waiting in line. Also, remember to bring your backpack filled with diabetes supplies, snacks, and drinks. If you are at a water park, be sure to protect your supplies by putting them in a waterproof bag. A wheelchair may be a good option if you have trouble walking.
When you have diabetes, you are more prone to developing foot problems because of nerve damage. Take extra care of your feet while on vacation by wearing shoes that fit you well. Avoid going barefoot because you may cut or bruise your foot.
While it is very tempting to overindulge while away from home, try to stick to your regular meal plan. If you find that you are eating in restaurants a lot, try splitting the meal with your partner. This can help with portion control. Before visiting another country, ask your dietician for advice on making good food choices. In general, order a broth-based soup or salad, skip the bread and butter, eat a normal-sized meal (not super-sized), and share or skip dessert.
Know how to get in touch with your doctor in case of an emergency. It is also a good idea to find the location of the closest hospital and whether they accept your insurance.
No matter where you are—a friend’s holiday party or a ride at an amusement park you can take care of your diabetes. If you put time aside to prepare and get advice from your doctor, then you can break from the regular routine and still control your blood glucose level. While having diabetes means paying extra attention to your health, it doesn’t have to mean that you miss out on anything!
RESOURCES:
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/diabetes-diabete/index-eng.php/
References:
Airport security Q&A. Independent Traveler website. Available at: http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=710&category=1. Updated December 2008. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Alcohol. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/alcohol.jsp. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Boerner H. Tips to trip by—the art and science of traveling with diabetes. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-nutrition-lifestyle/lifestyle-prevention/thriving-with-diabetes/twd-tips-to-trip-by.jsp. Published May 2008. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Can I eat dessert? American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-nutrition-lifestyle/lifestyle-prevention/live-your-life/lyl-can-i-eat-dessert.jsp. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Can I get a drink? Tailgating dilemma. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-nutrition-lifestyle/lifestyle-prevention/live-your-life/lyl-tailgating-dilemmas.jsp. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Carbohydrate counting and diabetes: looking beyond carbs. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/HQ00384. Updated July 2008. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Enjoying thanksgiving. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-nutrition-lifestyle/lifestyle-prevention/live-your-life/lyl-enjoying-thanksgiving.jsp. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Health hints: traveling with diabetes. Texas A&M University website. Available at: http://fcs.tamu.edu/health/healthhints/2008/may/diabetes.pdf. Published May 2008. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Hidden disabilities. Transportation and Security Administration website. Available at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#3. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Holiday meal planning. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/holiday-meals.jsp. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Holiday tips. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-nutrition-lifestyle/lifestyle-prevention/live-your-life/lyl-holiday-tips.jsp. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Insulin pumps. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/insulin-pumps.jsp. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Maarouf L. Healthy holiday eating: making it through the holidays without a blood sugar >300. UTMB Start Diabetes Center website. Available at: http://www.stark-diabetes.org/Education/Patient/Healthy_Holiday_Eating.htm. Published November 2006. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Schroeder K. Complications of type 1 diabetes. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated November 2008. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Schroeder K. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated November 2008. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Stress. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/stress.jsp . December 12, 2008.
Stress-free dining out. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-nutrition-lifestyle/lifestyle-prevention/live-your-life/lyl-stress-free-dining-out.jsp. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Summer vacation travel tips. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International website. Available at: http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=95E52799-2A5E-7B6E-1D1E1D85DF336DCE. Published July 2004. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Take care of your diabetes. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/DIABETES/pubs/tcyd/ktrack.htm. Updated December 2005. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Taking care of your diabetes at special times. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/type1and2/specialtimes.htm. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Top ways to a relaxing vacation with diabetes. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-nutrition-lifestyle/lifestyle-prevention/thriving-with-diabetes/twd-top-ways-to-relaxing-vacation.jsp. Accessed December 12, 2008.
UI offers tips on managing diabetes during the holidays. University of Iowa website. Available at: http://www.news-releases.uiowa.edu/2005/december/120105managing_diabetes.html. Published December 2005. Accessed December 12, 2008.
Wood D. Type 1 diabetes. EBSCO Publishing Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated November 2008. Accessed December 1, 2008.
Wood D. Type 2 diabetes. EBSCO Publishing Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated November 2008. Accessed December 1, 2008.
Last reviewed October 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.