Here are some tips to help you stay healthy when you travel to other countries.

• If you take prescription medications, make absolutely sure that you have ordered enough of your medicine to last you throughout your entire trip, plus at least seven days beyond your expected date of return. It is always best to be over-prepared rather than to find yourself in a far-away place without the medication that you need to stay safe and healthy. Inform your doctor of your travel plans, and find out what you should do if you have a medical problem while you are away. Make sure that you carry a list of your health conditions and the medications that you are taking in your wallet or on your person in the event that there is a medical emergency when you are away. At the top of the list, clearly print your name, your doctor’s name and telephone number, and the telephone number and name of an emergency contact from back home. Your fellow travelers should also be privy to all this information, as you should be about their health conditions and medication use.
• Depending on your situation, ask for a prescription for some just-in-case antibiotics. Azithromycin or ciprofloxacin are frequently prescribed, but discuss with your doctor what would be best for you.
• Plan ahead. If you need any immunizations or vaccinations, see your doctor at least 6 weeks before you leave. Some vaccines don’t reach the highest protection until about 6 weeks after you get the shots.
• Do your homework. The CDC has a very helpful country-by-country list of health hazards. In addition to disease information, they also provide info on safety, crime, security, insects, etc.

See a diabetes professional or your physician before you travel, especially if you have been recently diagnosed or if you are an infrequent traveler. If you are insulin dependent, advise your travel consultant prior to departure so that they may request refrigeration services at hotels and on cruise ships.

The American Diabetes Association publishes an excellent guide for diabetic travelers (shown to the right). And travelers with diabetes will also find that there are a number of nutrition bars for diabetic travelers made specifically for their needs.

More Informational Resources

• Traveling with Diabetes Supplies. A very informative post by the American Diabetes Association, including advice on bringing your diabetes supplies through airport security.
• The Diabetic Traveler. A blog devoted to issues faced by travelers with diabetes.