Travelling with Diabetes

Travelling with Diabetes Before you leave: • Make an appointment with your doctor 4-6 weeks beforehand to discuss your travel plans.

• Get your vaccinations done as recommended by your doctor.

• Get 2 documents from your doctor: a copy of your most current prescription and a letter stating your need to travel with diabetes medications and supplies.

• If possible, get hold of some form of identification that can be carried on yourself such as a diabetes identity card/Medik Awas card or a bracelet to state that you have diabetes.

• Crossing Time Zones: If you are using insulin, you may want to plan the timings of your injections during your travel with your doctor.

What should I bring with me?

• Keep a “carry-on” bag with you at all times.

• If you are travelling by plane, a “carry-on” bag is encouraged as check-in luggage may be

•

delayed or go missing and supplies may be damaged by the extremes of temperature in the airplane cargo area.

This “carry-on” bag should have: 1. At least an extra week or 2 of the amount of medications (oral drugs and insulin) and blood testing supplies that you will need for your duration of travel.

2. Insulin should be kept cool at all times by packing it in an insulated bag with refrigerated gel packs or special insulin wallet.

3. Food for treatment of low blood sugar – suggest snacks to avoid lows such as crackers, fruits and some form of easily absorbed sugars such as candies or glucose tablets.

4. A simple first-aid kit.

General travelling tips: • Drink fluids to keep yourself well hydrated.

• Checking your blood glucose while travelling is as important as when you are at home. Check your blood glucose level as soon as possible after landing. Jet lag can make it hard to tell if you have very low or very high glucose.

• If you are travelling on an airplane and you need an insulin injection during your flight, follow your normal procedure but put only half as much air into your insulin bottle as you normally would due to difference in pressure.

•

• • • •

Don’ts Do not wear open-toe shoes, including sandals, flip-flops or others.

Avoid soaking your feet in hot springs.

Avoid pedicures or manicures.

Do not walk barefooted.

See a doctor at the first sign of infection or inflammation.

At your destination: • Store your insulin in a cool place as soon as possible.

• It is useful to know the nearest medical centres or pharmacies in case of emergency.

• Check your blood sugar more Foot care whilst travelling often as your activities and eating Do’s patterns may change during the • Travel with comfortable, well-fitting trip. shoes, preferably those that can be adjusted in case your feet swell.

• It is good to inform your travelling companion about your • If possible, move around every hour condition. Make sure that he/ or two to reduce swelling and your she knows how to recognize and risk of blood clots in the legs from treat hypoglycaemia (low sugar) sitting for too long. should it happen to you.

• Wear socks if you are going to a • If you are feeling ill during the cold country. trip, see a doctor if necessary and • Check your feet every day. You follow sick day rules. should look out for blisters, cuts, redness and swelling.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

DM.IE.03.0119