After a tiring day of travelling, most people look forward to collapsing on the bed.
But if you have diabetes and have just arrived at your holiday destination, do check your blood sugar level one last time before you fall asleep.
“The greatest risk of hypoglycaemia often lies not on the plane or train, but on the first night at your holiday destination,” says Sebastian Bittner from the Association of Diabetes Counselling and Training Professions in Germany (VDBD).
A long journey, possibly involving a time difference, high temperatures, more physical activity than usual, a later mealtime and a welcome drink containing alcohol, can all add up.
Your metabolism can react sensitively to any and all of these factors.
If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels can become unbalanced, particularly on the first evening of a vacation.
Even aside from this, people with diabetes should check their blood sugar more frequently while away on holiday.
Heat and sunbathing can speed up the effect of insulin, the VDBD says.
And exercise, whether hiking, walking or swimming, lowers your blood sugar levels.
To be able to take countermeasures on the go if readings are too low, people with diabetes should always have glucose tablets, juice or small snacks to hand.
It’s also a good idea to carry an emergency ID card with relevant information for emergencies.
You may be able to find templates online.
Bear in mind that you shouldn’t skimp on the amount of diabetes equipment such as insulin, tablets or test strips when you pack to go on holiday.
The advice is to take twice as much as you calculate you’ll need.
Carry medicines and other essentials in your hand luggage when travelling by air, says the VDBD.
Otherwise, if your checked-in suitcase doesn’t make it to your holiday destination, you’ll be left without them.
Also, the low temperatures in an aeroplane’s hold can damage your insulin and cause it to lose its effectiveness.
To avoid any possible problems at airport security, people with diabetes should obtain a medical certificate before travelling, confirming that they require the medicines and equipment they are carrying. – dpa
