The Friendly Skies

Of course, people with diabetes travel by modes other than RVs, which can require different types of preparation. Peter Lanzer, a type 2 diabetes patient in Connecticut, has been a frequent flier for years, often jetting to overseas destinations. He always packs extra oral medications and test strips for his glucose monitor, and keeps everything in his carry-on bag, not wanting to risk losing luggage.

Lanzer also has learned to be diligent about avoiding hypoglycemia. "Things tend to get out of kilter when you're traveling," he observes, "so you have to make sure you don't miss a meal. And you have to watch what you eat, especially sugars and carbohydrates." The bottom line is, he admits, "you tend to live it up a little when on vacation, so you have to be doubly careful." Although the Transportation Security Administration allows multiple containers of liquids or gels (including Cake Mate^® tubes), the American Diabetes Association suggests carrying an alternative form of carbohydrate such as glucose tablets, Life Savers^®, gumdrops or raisins.

Going through airport security can be nerve-wracking for anyone, but especially for people with diabetes who are going through scanners with vials of insulin or bottles of prescription drugs that may be unfamiliar to inspectors. "I recommend to diabetes patients that they have the original packaging for all their supplies and prescription medicines in bottles with their doctor's name on them," says Dr. Karen E. Earle, medical director of the Center for Diabetes Services at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.

"Things tend to get out of kilter when you're traveling, so you have to make sure you don't miss a meal. And you have to watch what you eat." — Peter Lanzer

The American Diabetes Association also suggests that patients have a letter from their doctor, explaining that they have diabetes and need certain medicines. "The letter that I write," Earle says, "explains that they must have access to their medications at all times. Then I list exactly what they need, such as insulin syringes and vials, pens or pumps. And I include my contact information in case someone has a question." In addition to the letter, Earle encourages her patients, particularly those with type 1 diabetes, to wear a medical bracelet or necklace. It's an easy way to let anyone know you have diabetes.

If you wear an insulin pump, you may choose to request a visual inspection rather than going through the metal detector or being hand-wanded, but you may be subject to a pat-down.

When you're journeying to a foreign country, you can obtain a list of English-speaking doctors beforehand from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (iamat.org; 716-754-4883). Once you've arrived at your destination, overseas or in the U.S., if a medical emergency arises, you can always go to an emergency room or clinic.

If you take insulin and will be crossing time zones, the American Diabetes Association recommends that you ask your doctor or diabetes educator to help you plan 
the timing of injections.