Diabetes: what should be taken into account when traveling on vacation?

Specifically in the area in which I work, and with the focus on World Diabetes Day, I highlight special attention and mention of essential care for people who use insulin and for those treated with tablets. We recall that, in Argentina, according to the National Survey of Risk Factors, it is estimated that 12.7% of Argentines aged 18 or older have diabetes.

In this way, there are certain special precautions to take into account when embarking on a trip so that people with diabetes travel safely and can enjoy themselves without running risks, previously scheduling a consultation with their treating doctor:

In addition to these tips, depending on the case, the doctor will adapt the treatment and medication taking into account the imbalances in the person's routine, for example, if there will be a change in schedules, change in usual activities, such as an increase in hours on the air free doing excursions and walks. The diet should also be reviewed by the doctor in the case of a destination where it is culturally different.

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For their part, doctors often recommend people who use insulin, to prevent hypoglycemia, to travel with a glucagon kit in case they lose consciousness, as well as to have a sugary juice available for this moment. For adults traveling with diabetic children, I recommend keeping a close eye on blood insulin checks, as with changes in routine this can be forgotten.

Faced with these recommendations and with careful planning, traveling with diabetes is a comfortable and safe experience. Physicians are here to provide confidence and encouragement and, in the face of advances in these 100 years of the discovery of insulin, people with diabetes can enjoy their vacations and a full life like any other person.

Director of the scientific and international affairs committee of the Argentine Diabetes Federation (FAD).