Summer is an exciting time to travel and explore new areas. The opportunity to travel — even for a short excursion — allows one to expand one’s knowledge and explore the world’s beauty. Day trips may include a relaxing day on the beach, hiking the Grand Canyon, walking the National Mall in Washington, DC, or visiting your favorite amusement park. Day outings are especially fun because you get to immerse yourself in an area for adventure, relaxation, or enjoyment with family and friends. You may have a particular destination in mind or on your “bucket list.” Having diabetes should not stop you from having fun and visiting new places. However, planning and preparation are necessary to safely enjoy your day trip.
Planning is key
The first step is deciding on a destination. After you decide where and what you are doing for the day, do your research. As you prepare, questions will come to mind.
• Are you going to a park, lake, ocean, beach, theme park, or museum?
• What are you going to do?
• Will you be swimming, surfing, hiking, horseback riding, exploring, or just reading and relaxing?
• What is the weather?
• Will most of your time be spent outdoors or indoors?
• If you’re planning outdoor activities, what is the area terrain like — flat, hills, mountainous? What is the highest altitude?
• Does your destination have park rangers, lifeguards, medical/facilities?
• What are your options for storing supplies (climate-controlled area), food, beverages, and personal needs?
• Is food available?
Answers to these questions can help you plan your day trip, maintain optimal blood glucose control, and recognize how the environment might impact your blood glucose levels and/or your diabetes medications/supplies.
General day trip traveling guidelines
• Discuss your day trip plans with your diabetes care provider to see if changes to medication dosages or timing are required.
• Be sure to wear your diabetes identification.
• Avoid traveling alone; know your surroundings. If you take a cell phone, program in an emergency contact and directions should an emergency situation arise.
• If your day out requires strenuous activity, check with your diabetes care provider before participating. Overall, it is important to remember the general principles of diabetes self-management: healthy eating, being active, self-monitoring, taking your medications as directed, problem-solving, and reducing the risk of complications such as high and low blood glucose.
Healthy eating
Healthy eating is critical to blood glucose control. Pack healthy foods and be aware of food options at your destination. Attempt to stay on your usual eating schedule, and avoid missed or delayed meals. If you take your food with you, store it properly to avoid getting a foodborne illness. Most perishable foods should be kept out of the “danger zone” (temperature between 40 and 140 degrees) to avoid bacterial growth. Pack foods that require refrigeration with frozen gel packs in a cooler or insulated bag. Remember to keep your food in airtight containers. Your next best option is to pack non-perishable foods.
If you are eating out, controlling portion size is key. One way to practice portion control is using the plate method: non-starchy vegetables should cover half of your plate, a quarter of your plate should be filled with a starch or grain, and the remaining quarter of your plate should hold a protein.
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On-the-Go Snack Ideas
• Cereal/energy Bars
• Trail mix
• Granola
• Crackers
• Peanut (or another) nut butter
• Canned or pouches of tuna and chicken
• Dried fruits
• Small pieces of fresh fruit (apple or orange)
• Nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Dry cereal
• Popcorn
• Low-sodium/low-fat turkey jerky
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Hydration is essential, so pack plenty of water for the day. Common causes of dehydration include increased sweating, high blood glucose related to increased urination, or visiting an area with higher altitudes. Always drink safe, treated water, and avoid drinking untreated water from streams, lakes, and creeks. Freeze several bottles of water, so you have cold refreshing water throughout the day, or carry an empty water bottle to refill throughout the day with clean water.
Being active
Being active is good for your health. Everyone should do some form of daily activity. Try to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time, even at the beach or lake. Purposely walk around to explore the scenery. If your trip includes a lot of activity, make sure you have the proper footwear and clothes. Consider wearing clothing made of moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics. Listen to your body and take rest breaks when needed.
Self-monitoring
Self-monitoring is vital when you have diabetes. Bring extra test strips and lancets with your meter. A good tip is to take double the amount of testing strips you think you may need. Protect your meter/strips from harmful temperatures, extreme heat, cold, or moisture by keeping them at room temperature. For specific guidelines, check with the manufacturer of your meter/supplies. Make sure your meter is fully charged before leaving home, and pack an extra battery.
Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensor users know specific activities can affect CGM function. Check with your CGM manufacturer about using your equipment during extreme sports, altitude changes, and amusement park thrill rides. Increased sweating and water activities can affect the adhesion of your sensor. If you plan to wear your sensor, bring extra supplies.
If it also important to stay aware of your normal state of being. If something does not feel right, check your blood glucose and then ask yourself if you need to rest, eat something, drink water, or seek medical attention.
