Plan Ahead, Travel Easier

A trip changes your daily routine, often in many ways at once. Meals may come at new times, or be harder to plan. Sleep may be shorter or later than usual. You may walk more, or sit for hours.

Each change can push blood sugar up or down. Think of a scale with many small weights added all at once.

A map with a road from a house to a red pin. Stops appear along the road for supplies, meals, sleep and timing. In the last view each stop gets a tick and a suitcase arrives at the pin.

Planning ahead gives you time to sort out prescriptions, supplies and insurance. Each can take a phone call or some paperwork, so start early.

Some items take longer to arrange than others. Your doctor can tell you which ones to start with.

Knowing what to bring and who to call lowers stress when something unexpected happens. Many people with diabetes travel safely when they prepare before they leave.

Think about what you would need on the road. Also think about who you would call if something goes wrong. Do this before you pack.

Key takeaways

• Routine, food, sleep and activity can all shift blood sugar on a trip.
• Prescriptions, supplies and insurance take time, so start early.
• Knowing what to bring and who to call lowers stress when something unexpected happens.

Try it

Today, count your supplies, write down how many you have, and note the date you will need more.