Traveling with diabetes: Spring break and vacation guide

Spring break, a long weekend away, or a vacation when you have time off from school or work can be much-anticipated events. While many people can toss a few things in a bag and be ready to go in minutes, if you're traveling with diabetes, there are more considerations to ensure a worry-free trip.

Taking these steps will help you stay on track with your daily routines like eating, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, medications, and planning for the unexpected. Plus, by doing a little research ahead of time, you'll know where to purchase snacks, have an exercise plan, and know where to get emergency care so that you can focus on creating a memorable holiday.

1. Pack according to your travel plans

Whether you're traveling by car, train, or plane and the length of time you'll be away both influence how to pack for your getaway. If you check luggage, be sure to carry all of your diabetes supplies and medications with you in the event of lost or delayed bags.

If you don't have a diabetes organizer kit suitable for multi-day travel, consider purchasing an insulated travel bag with pockets for gel cooling packs. Travel kits feature interior loops, pockets, and zipper compartments to store blood glucose meters, lancets, insulin, a small container for sharps disposal, glucose tablets, alcohol pads, infusion sets, supplies for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and insulin pumps. The kit will make it easy to double-check that you have everything all in one place.

Pack first aid supplies and other necessary items depending on where you're going, like sunscreen and a hat or a scarf. An extra pair of shoes is also a good idea if you plan to do a lot of walking — blisters on your toes or feet can disrupt planned activities.

2. Confirm accommodations

Will you be staying with a friend or family member at their home, or at an Airbnb, condo, motel, hotel, or other accommodation? The convenience of staying in a home-like setting with a full kitchen can make it easier to stay on track with meals and snacks.

If you're staying at a hotel, call ahead to ask if the rooms have small refrigerators or mini kitchens. Additionally, on-site access to an exercise room, mini-store, and a restaurant are bonuses that can make maintaining healthy routines easier for people traveling with diabetes.

3. Maintain your exercise routine

While on vacation, you might dream of sleeping in late or waking up early to get your exercise routine checked off the list to be ready for a day of play. Depending on where you stay, you can work out at an on-site gym, take a walk through a downtown area or neighborhood, or map out directions to a local gym, park, or walking path.

If your vacation is planned around activities like camping, hiking, boating, bicycling, sightseeing, or other events, make sure to get enough rest every night, and start each day with a hearty breakfast. If your vacation will be a change from a sedentary work routine, you'll need to pay extra attention to checking blood sugar levels that vary with increased physical activity.

4. Put together a go-bag of supplies and healthy snacks

Remember to pack your regular daily go-bag to carry diabetes supplies and healthy on-the-go snacks. If you're concerned about losing your bag while out and about, opt for a fanny pack or backpack that works as a carry-all. You can also ask friends or family to help keep track of the bag in the event you take it off or check it temporarily in a locker.

While on vacation, your days may be filled with one event after another, which could mean missing regular meal times. Research the locations of nearby convenience or grocery stores where you can pick up clementines, almonds, cashews, carrot sticks, hummus, cheese, deli meat, hard-boiled eggs, or low-fat yogurt. In addition to using your daily go-bag, you can pack or purchase an inexpensive foldable cooler to carry snacks and water.

5. Make staying hydrated a delicious treat

Staying hydrated can be an afterthought when you're on the go. Drinking water helps manage high blood sugar levels and reduce in-between meal hunger pangs. To keep the importance of drinking fluids top of mind, purchase a case of bottled water at a local store.

If you have access to a freezer and plan to be outside in hot weather, freeze several bottles of water ahead of time to carry with you. For a little bit of flavor, add mint leaves, sliced lemons, oranges, or cucumbers to the bottles. Also, consider sparkling water as treat to maintain fluid levels.

6. Indulge yourself

While you're taking all the steps to stay on track with your diabetes care, indulge yourself with a favorite meal, beverage, or dessert.

Chain restaurants are required to have nutrition information and calories on their menus. Check restaurant websites for calorie and nutrition information before choosing a location to eat out.

Some restaurants have options for appetizers or small plates. Order these instead of a full portion that may be carbohydrate-loaded. Ask for sauces and salad dressing on the side so you can control your portions. Order steamed, grilled, or broiled vegetables instead of side dishes that may be higher in calories or carbohydrates. By paying attention to portion size, you can have a slice of cake, a glass of wine, or foods you only eat on special occasions.

7. Have backup plans for the unexpected

Wear your medical ID bracelet or place a tag on a fanny pack, backpack, or go-bag. Being in a different location and time zone can trick your body clock. As a result, you may be distracted and forget to check your blood sugar regularly.

If you're in a different time zone, make sure your mobile phone or watch is set to local time. Set reminder alarms for snacking, checking blood sugar, taking medications, and dosing insulin so you feel your best.

Request written prescriptions from your doctor to have with you for insulin and other supplies as a backup. You never know when a piece of equipment could go on the fritz.

Call your health insurance company to confirm pharmacies, an urgent care center, and a hospital system in your plan at your destination. If you're traveling internationally, confirm that your insurance provides support out of the country. If not, consider purchasing a travel insurance plan that will cover you and your family.

Planning ahead for your vacation to maintain healthy routines and prepare for the unexpected while traveling with diabetes means you can enjoy the good times. Once you have a t1d vacation routine, you'll be able to take mini-breaks more often and know exactly what to do in advance.

While preparing for spring break or vacation can seem like a lot of work, celebrate your time off. Visit the Edgepark pharmacy website to order extra supplies for your trip.