Diabetes And Travelling Tips For A Safe Trip
Spend some time to research about the number of healthy food options which play a key role in managing sugar levels during travelling
At some point of time, we all travel from one place to another, either for business purpose, for exploring new places/ areas or just to relax and get away from our busy schedule. As eating habits have a direct impact on our health, it is an important aspect to be considered while travelling, especially if you are diabetic.
Since diabetes can be easily managed through your diet, wherever you go, the habit of healthy eating should also go hand in hand, Sometimes, it may be difficult for you to stick to your healthy meal plan, but with a few easy steps this can be made possible too. Here’s how you can go about it.
Plan Ahead
Apart from planning the other aspects that are essential for travel, also plan for caring about your diabetes – lIke medicinesÁnsulin to be purchased 1 how some changes in your physical activity will affect your blood glucose, number of health care services available at your concerned destination etc.
Also, spend some time to research about the number of healthy food options which play a key role in managing sugar levels during travelling.
You can jot down a list of healthy foods to eat while travelling and also make a list of foods that will be available at your destination, This may take some time, but it will keep your sugar levels well within the 4safe zone and will protect you from further complications.
Pack Healthy Snacks
If you have hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level), you can carry some healthy well-wrapped snacks with you, like vegetable rolls, fruits, sandwiches (veg/non-veg), high fibre biscuits and crackers and some form of hard sugar candies or glucose tablets.
Always Know About The Food You Eat
Try your best to figure out the amount of carbohydrates present in food that you are eating, especially if you are taking insulin. Make sure you take the insulin at the right time and in right doses, to avoid low blood glucose levels.
Also, test your blood glucose levels before and after every meal to check whether new foods are affecting you or not, as it’s vital to maintain your blood glucose levels to avoid problems during travelling.
Be Ready To Treat Low Glucose
While travelling, your normal routine gets disrupted (inclusive of both eating and medicines/insulin intake). Also, because of sightseeing, your physical activity increases. Due to these changes, it’s good to be prepared for low blood glucose levels, if it strikes. So, be prepared to treat yourself, by keeping some glucose tablets.
Try To Stick To Your Meal Plan
Before leaving for the trip, learn how to count carbohydrates, as it will help you to be more flexible with your meals. You can always meet a diabetes specialist? nutritionist to learn more about how to plan your meal before your outing.
Remember that meals may not be served at times that fit into your usual schedule so always keep a handy snack in your handbag, in case meals are not served on time
Some Helpful Tips
- Pack a cooler with foods that fit into your meal plan.
- Stop in places with many choices for eating (including fast food restaurants).
- When you buy your ticket, always check if a meal will be served, so that you can mention your food options.
- Remember that meals may not be served at times that fit into your usual schedule of meals. (Depending on the airline, a meal may not be served and a snack may not be offered, it a flight is less than tour hours). So always keep a handy snack in your handbag, in case the meal is not served on time.
- Order any special meal requests en advance.
- Keep snacks that will not get spoilt in your carry-on bag (to help avoid poor food choices and long waiting lines at airport restaurants).
- Before placing your order for food, think ahead to avoid overeating, especially on cruise ships or with ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffets.
- Keep track of carbohydrate foods which are essential for blood glucose control.
- Use a smaller plate to help keep portion sizes under control and rely on simple measurements to decide on food portions.
- Make sure to ask about the preparation of foods, so you can make better choices.
- Make sure you do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach, as it can lead to low blood glucose levels.
- Try to avoid sugar-based drinks/ mixers like fruit and fruit juice drinks with large amounts of carbohydrates, as they may raIse your blood glucose leveIs.
- Do not drink and drive? Never get behind the wheel unless you know your blood glucose is within a safe range.
- If you have to drive for a longer period of time, keep checking your blood glucose levels to avoid complications.