Road trips provide a fun (and sometimes necessary) alternative to air travel and other forms of mass transportation. If you have diabetes, a little more preparation will ensure that your trip doesn’t run into any bumps in the road. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while preparing for your road trip:
1) Be prepared to adjust insulin dosing and monitor blood sugar levels carefully
When you take a road trip, it is to be expected that you will be sitting for long periods of time. If such extended periods of inactivity represent less activity than you are used to, you may observe higher blood sugar levels than you are accustomed to, even with the same nutritional intake. Next generation insulin pumps, such as the modern Tandem t:slim pump, allow you to easily set temporary insulin delivery rates to account for the differences in activity levels you’re likely to encounter during a road trip.
2) Ensure that medical supplies are kept at the proper temperature
Vehicle cabins can reach extreme temperatures, especially when parked in the sun. For this reason, it’s important to be mindful of where diabetic supplies are stored while on the road, since insulin is liable to spoil at high temperatures. Remember to keep your supplies cool, ideally in an insulated cooler bag. If you don’t have a cooler with you, place your supplies in the trunk, as the trunk compartment often does not get as hot as the main compartment of a motor vehicle.
3) Pack enough supplies to last throughout your trip
It’s important to make sure you have packed all the insulin and testing supplies you might need before hopping in the car, especially if you intend to venture into remote areas where medical supplies will be hard to come by. A good rule of thumb is to pack twice the amount of supplies you think you might need, that way if unforeseen circumstances prolong your trip, you will still have everything you need. Also make sure you pack your supplies in containers that will be easy to locate. Avoid burying your supplies under other bags and packed items, instead keeping them close at hand.
4) Bring snacks with you to avoid the temptation of unhealthy fast food
It can be hard to eat a healthful diet when on the road for long stretches of time, but maintaining a stable blood glucose level and eating right are important for managing your diabetes. Storing some glucose tablets in the glove box is a good idea, as is packing snacks with you that won’t spoil or be particularly temperature sensitive, such as popcorn, nuts, and whole grain crackers.
5) Bring a medical quick reference sheet along with you in case of an emergency
In case you find yourself having a diabetic emergency while on the road, it is a great idea to have all of your pertinent medical information with you. Prepare a laminated 3×5 card with your doctor’s contact information, your emergency contact information, a list of the medications you are presently taking, and any standard insulin dosage information you might have, and keep this card tucked into your windshield or glove compartment. That way, the information will be available should any unforeseen circumstances arise.
6) Test your insulin levels before getting behind the wheel
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, presents a particular hazard to drivers, because it can lead to loss of consciousness and seizures. Likewise, hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can be a severe driving impediment, as it can lead to confusion, fatigue, and blurred vision. Because abnormal blood sugar levels can make driving unsafe, it is extremely important to make sure your blood glucose levels are stable and in a safe range before getting into your car. You should also test your blood sugar levels at regular intervals while driving, remembering to pull over safely before testing each time.
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