Tips For Diabetic Patients While Traveling

Some general ideas

As a diabetic, it is wise to remember that the change of environment and the extra physical activities will have an impact on your health planning. It is, therefore, essential to plan in detail what you will do during your stay.

Besides, it is also necessary to collect information on the state of health infrastructure at your destination, and you can use it in case of emergency. For example, find out about the type and the concentration of insulin used at the intended destination. Also, get to know the quality of hospital infrastructures and their locations.

Learn to say "I am diabetic" and "I need sugar" in the language of the country you are visiting; this precaution can be life-saving in case of emergency.

Inform your doctor

In any case, it is imperative to consult your doctor to verify that your diabetes is stable. Explain the proposed route so that the doctor can assess the potential risks and explain any contraindications. It should be kept in mind that some vaccines may affect your blood glucose levels, and should be done 3 to 4 weeks before you leave.

Regarding your medicine, it is best to leave with a sufficient amount of medication (at least twice the usual amount for the duration of the trip). In order to avoid delays when going through customs (and to help doctors in case of problems) keep the medicines in their original packaging. It is also better to store your medicine in two separate bags, one of which must be at hand (for example, in your cabin baggage). This is so that you can access it quickly in case of problems. Also, it is recommended that you take classic insulin, blister syringes, paper glycemic control strips, oral anti-diabetic medications, and sweets. Be sure to follow the medications prescribed by your doctor.

However, if you are running out of your treatment, you should keep in mind that some countries market insulin at a different dosage; if this is the case, consider acquiring the corresponding syringes to avoid any dosage errors. Although insulin does not need to be refrigerated, it can be degraded by significant changes in temperature and must be transported in an insulated container.

Extra Documentation

When traveling abroad, you should bring some extra documents with you. For example, you must bring a copy of your complete medical file and a letter explaining that your diabetes needs to be treated and that you are subject to treatment that cannot be interrupted. Use of certain medicinal products and/or devices whose list should be attached to the document.

Ask your doctor to prescribe your usual medicines, and do not forget to ask him to indicate your possible allergies. Remember to clearly indicate your doctor's contact information, so that they can be easily reached in an emergency.

It is also recommended to bring a complete list of the medicines you are taking and their dosage.

In all cases, it is highly recommended to take out travel insurance covering medical expenses and medical repatriation. In many countries, medical costs are extremely expensive, and medical insurance may be essential in the event of a health problem.

Extra air travel precautions

If you are traveling by air and use an electronic device to check your blood glucose or insulin levels, check with your airline to find out if you can use this type of equipment during the flight.

When boarding, make sure you have all the medical equipment you need. Syringes are allowed onboard provided you also have insulin.

Before safety gates are in place, inform the safety staff that you have diabetes and that you carry your equipment on board; If necessary, let them know that you have an insulin pump.

Time differences?

The time difference may require you to adjust your schedule. Generally, it is not necessary to adjust insulin intakes if the time difference is less than 3-5 time zones.

Ask your doctor for advice on how to adapt your insulin regimen. It is best not to change the time of your watch: the follow-up of injections and meals will be easily remembered. Regularly check your blood sugar. If you want to adjust to the time of your destination, remember when traveling to the east, the days are shorter, so a reduction of insulin may be necessary.

Conversely, when you go west, the days are longer, and the insulin dose may need to be increased.

Be aware, these indications are subject to change if your departure is delayed or if your flight is prolonged. Check your blood glucose as soon as you have landed, as jet lag can affect your ability to estimate it.

Air pressure changes

If you are injecting insulin in-flight, be careful not to get too much air into the insulin vial as the air pressure is not the same as it is at ground level. Several days before your departure, you can ask your airline for a specific meal plan (low in sugar, fat, or cholesterol). To avoid hypoglycemia, wait until you have your tray in front of you to give an injection.

The best solution, however, is to bring your own carbohydrates in the form of fruit, sandwiches or cereal bars.

Costs of medication

We live in an age in which modern technology has played a huge part in how far we’ve come in a relatively short period of time.

Modern science and medicine have evolved at a truly astonishing pace, and it doesn’t look set to slow down anytime soon. Because of this, prescription drugs and medications are now more advanced than ever. This is where prescription assistance can come in handy. We need prescription drugs and medicine to manage a whole host of different ailments.

These drugs can do everything from regulating your blood glucose levels to literally keeping you alive. They do sadly come at a cost.

What if we cannot afford?

Does this mean that people in poor financial situations should suffer and go without life-saving drugs? Of course not, it simply means that prescription assistance may be required. Here’s a look at how to source cheap prescriptions.

There are many patients assistance programs thankfully.

Patient assistance programs: Who can apply?

a)   Financial capability

The idea behind prescription assistance is to help low-income earners access quality medical services. Different pharmaceuticals and manufacturers set a limit as the threshold for qualification. Most patients who fall below $30000 earning per annum qualify for fully prescription assistance. Subsidies are provided with increasing earnings per year.

It is essential to disclose one's income so that those who deserve PAP benefit from it. The elderly who have no source of income and caretakers are given a priority.

b)   Disability

In case you have a disability, you are given priority in prescription assistance. The provider may require proof from a health professional. It is recommendable to attach such documents when applying for free medication.

c)   Insurance cover

The gap between what the medical cover settles and the amount remaining determines whether you can receive prescription assistance. There are several low-income earners without a basic medical cover and bills may be overwhelming. Some conditions like type 2 diabetes require recurrent medication for a long period. Uninsured individuals may not meet Victoza costs for a year or two. Trulicity coupons may help in subsidizing the cost of the drugs without affecting the finances of the family drastically.

Some pharmaceuticals may require an insurance cover so that they can offer prescription assistance. However, there are others that provide the services to individuals without a cover. Some drugs are highly expensive and the health coverage may not meet all the cost, thus creating a need for assistance.