Traveling Solo with Diabetes: My Experience

 Traveling solo with diabetes can be daunting at first. You may not know where to start - what to pack, what's essential, and what to bring for emergencies. Questions arise about emergency equipment, the amount of insulin to have, and whether to bring supplementary devices. This article provides suggestions to help you navigate traveling solo with diabetes. 

Let's start with the first step: Before going on a trip, ensure you have packed everything, including insulin, syringes or pens, a glucose meter, test strips, lancets, and extra batteries.

Learn the basics of taking care of your medications. Insulin must be kept in a cool place, as storing it in a too-hot or too-cold environment can cause the liquid to boil, become ineffective, or explode.

Be aware of your surroundings and monitor your blood sugar levels throughout your trip, for the most part, if you'll be changing time zones or engaging in different activities.

Don't forget to stay hydrated and nourished by drinking plenty of water and consuming healthy foods to help balance your meals and keep your blood sugar in a preferred range. It's crucial to have emergency items on hand in case of low or high blood sugar levels.

Some necessities to carry with you include the following: tablets or gel to rapidly elevate low blood sugar levels and prevent complications associated with hypoglycemia. Fast-acting sugar sources such as juice boxes, hard candies, or glucose gels promptly treat hypoglycemia.

 If you are at risk of severe hypoglycemia and require assistance from others to treat it, consider carrying a glucagon emergency kit. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels in emergencies. It's necessary to have extra insulin, including syringes or insulin pens, given you need to adjust your insulin dosage or replace a malfunctioning device.

Wearing a medical bracelet or necklace that identifies you as a person with diabetes and provides essential information about your medical condition can help first responders and healthcare professionals provide appropriate care during emergencies. Ensure you are ready to manage any fluctuations in blood sugar levels, whether at home or traveling. Replace your supplies as needed to maintain their effectiveness.