Do’s and Don’ts of a diabetic during overseas travel

1) Carry your Insulin medications or tablets in your handbag
2) Take Doctor’s prescriptions and a letter stating your medical condition
3) Carry ur doctor’s contact number in case of any emergency
4) Carrying a Glucometer is advisable
5) Take the right amount of insulin dose before meals
6) If you have nausea or vomitting, check your blood sugars immediately
7) Do not skip your insulin dose in any case
8) If your sugars are low, take less amount of insulin and intake some sugar/glucose immediately
9) If your sugars are high, take extra amount of insulin and inform the flight attendants for medical care
8) Check for any negative symptoms. Continuous vomiting may lead to a condition called Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), is a serious complication of diabetes, which occurs when a very high blood sugar level (above 300 mg/dL) is coupled with a severe shortage of insulin in the body. The body starts to break down and utilise fat for energy and ketones (toxic acids) develop. People with DKA usually complain of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and rapid breathing. This can lead to coma or death and should be treated by medical personnel immediately.

If you follow the above steps carefully, you can avoid serious damage to your body, maintain good health and have a pleasant stay wherever you are.