Travel Tips for Diabetics

Traveling poses special challenges for people with Diabetes. Diabetes sufferers have specific diet needs. Diabetic medications need to be taken at precise times. All can make it difficult for diabetics to travel. It's difficult, but not impossible. As a recently diagnosed diabetic I have learned some important tips to use while traveling. Avoid problems by following these travel tips.

A diabetic diet can still be followed while traveling. It just takes some extra planning. The most important tip is to eat at the same time you normally eat. This will enable you to take your medications at the usual time. Diabetics can have problems if medications aren't taken regularly.

Cut up veggies like carrots and celery to eat on the road. You can also snack on string cheese. You can eat fruit, just eat it sparingly, too much fruit can raise your blood sugar.

Bring sugar free candy to satisfy your sweet tooth. There is a variety of sugar free candy on the market, but they might not be available at rest stops and gas stations. Stock up before leaving home. Eat in moderation. Sugar alcohol can cause gastrointestinal problems.

You might be eating out of boredom. Try sugar free gum to satisfy the urge to snack. If you have gum in your mouth already, you might be less tempted to eat anything else.

Avoid salty, high fat snacks. According to WebMD.com, Diabetics have a "higher than normal risk of heart disease." Chips should be avoided. If you have to have that crunchy, salty snack try pretzels or popcorn. Just keep in mind that diabetics tend to be thirstier when their blood sugar levels are high. Too much salt can add to that thirst causing you to have to stop more often to go to the bathroom.

Quench that thirst buy grabbing water, not soda. Soda is full of sugar. Diet soda isn't the best choice either. A Purdue University study shows rats who ate foods made with artificial sweetener gained more weight than those who had foods sweetened with sugar. Critics say this has nothing to do with humans. The jury is still out. Since you already use artificial sweeteners in foods and snacks, why not take a break from them when you drink?

Aside from dietary needs, diabetics face medical challenges while traveling. The most important medical tip for diabetics is to get out of the car and stretch those legs.

Diabetics tend to have poor circulation. It is important to get of the car and walk around at regular intervals. Stretch your legs and get your blood flowing. Traveling isn't always about the destination. It can also be about the journey.

Bring an ice chest or a cooler for your diabetic medications. Some insulin needs to be refrigerated at all times. If you don't have room for a bulky ice chest try a smaller version. Head to BabysRUs or to the baby section of your favorite store. Look for a small refrigerated bag that is used by mothers to carry their milk or formula. Most are small enough to fit in a diaper bag. They will be the perfect size for your insulin.

Needle disposal can be a problem on the road. Sharps containers offer a safe way to dispose of needles and lancets used for testing. Sharps containers are leak proof and puncture resistant. It is important to protect everyone in the event of a car accident.

Before leaving, ask for a note from your doctor explaining that you are diabetic. Carry this note in your pocket or purse at all times. This will help explain why you have needles in the car if you are stopped by police. If you are unconscious, this will let emergency personal know you are diabetic.

Diabetics need not fear the open road. Have fun and avoid problems by following these tried and tested tips. I have made several successful road trips without any complications from my diabetes and you can too. Learning what to bring with you will answer the question of what you can eat. Only the driver can answer the question, "Are we there yet?"

http://diabetes.webmd.com/diabetes-diet-healthy-diet-basics?page=3

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20080211/artificial-sweeteners-increase-weight