Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes
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Whether
you're planning short day trips or a journey of several weeks, thinking
ahead will alleviate many problems, not to mention a lot of stress.
Although type 1 diabetes requires extra work, you will find that virtually
any trip or event you have planned is doable. So read on and prepare to have a
fabulous family vacation.
Put
together a support team
Discuss
vacation plans with your doctors and other type 1 diabetes care providers to
work out a tailored plan. As you probably know, any change in activity can
affect blood sugar levels. For big trips, added excitement may cause lows, so
you may want to consult your doctor for help with changing insulin dosage at
such times. Also, ask your doctor for a letter explaining your medical
condition and treatment needs, and get a prescription for insulin in case of an
emergency.
For
camp trips or kid-specific events, make any special accommodations for
your child with type 1 diabetes well in advance. Speak to camp counselors,
coaches, relatives, friends, etc. ahead of time to be sure you and/or your
child will have enough support wherever you go. If you're not comfortable with
the level of support, change your plans.
Pack
extra supplies of everything you use to treat type 1 diabetes, and pack them in
more than one bag, including a carry-on or purse. Make sure you wear your
medical ID bracelet, or other medical identification, and let friends or family
members know your itinerary.
Finally,
you may also want to make reservations at restaurants to avoid long waits, and
ask if they can provide you with nutritional information on their menu items.
Check
blood sugar levels more often
In
general, people with type 1 diabetes should check blood sugars at least six
times a day as part of their regular routine, and more whenever their schedule
changes. Heat and excitement are two factors that can significantly affect blood
sugar levels. The more often you check blood sugars, the more easily you'll be
able to anticipate and avoid problems.
The
insulin pump provides quite a bit of flexibility in your routine while also
eliminating the need for insulin injections. Even kids are becoming
"pumpers" at very young ages and immediately after diagnosis as the
technology has improved and word has spread. Ask your doctor if the pump
is right for you or your child and, if possible, speak to other people
about their experiences with the pump.
Beat
the heat
People
with type 1 diabetes may experience more low blood sugars in the heat, so take
extra precautions. Dehydration can be a serious problem, whether or not you
have type 1 diabetes, so make sure you carry water with you at all times, even
when going to the beach or pool for the day. Most experts recommend drinking at
least eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day in order to avoid problems, and even
more if you're going to be very active.
Keep
meters, test strips, and insulin out of direct sunlight and use insulated
containers or ice packs, but be sure insulin doesn't freeze either.
Article "Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes" from the JDRF. Read more: http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=100694
Best Teen Diets recommends healthy well balanced eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information for teens, parents and educators that emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for teens.
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