Preparations Needed For Diabetics Before Traveling

Illustration of a person being self-assembled before leaving (Pexels/Artem Podrez)

JAKARTA - On November 14, 2024 is a warning for World Diabetes Day. In commemoration of World Diabetes Day, Eka Hospital invites to discuss comfortable and safe traveling for diabetics.

Internal Medicine Specialist & Travel Health Expert Eka Hospital BSD, dr. Rudy Kurniawan, Sp.PD, MM, MARS, Dip.TH, Dip.SN, DCD, FRSPH, said that diabetics can also travel, but they must pay more attention. This is because diabetes is a chronic disease that requires strict blood sugar management.

Thus, before traveling, there are several important things that diabetics need to prepare, to prevent complications and ensure the journey runs smoothly. Let's take a direct look at the list of preparations needed for diabetics before traveling below.

The first thing that must be prepared by diabetics before traveling is a fit body. Doctor Rudy Kurniawan said that blood sugar conditions must be well controlled before traveling.

"For before (traveling) for people with diabetes, we have to check first. One blood sugar condition has been controlled or not," said Doctor Rudy when met in the Serpong area, Tangerang, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Checking the condition of the body is also important because it will affect the medicines needed by the patient while traveling.

"(Check the condition of the body affects) whether there are drugs that need to be adjusted or not. If he is a patient with insulin injections we have to teach how to store, the tools must exist," said Doctor Rudy.

Carrying sufficient supplies of medicine is one of the most important things in travel preparation. Diabeteis are advised to bring personal medicines such as insulin, oral drugs, and also more blood sugar measuring devices than usually needed, in anticipation of possible delays or unexpected changes in plans.

It is also important to store all drugs in places that are easily accessible and ensure they are stored according to recommended storage instructions, for example, insulin should be stored in a cool place.

Food is also an important aspect for diabetes who want to travel. Travel often changes your diet, so diabetes is recommended to bring healthy snacks that are rich in fiber and low sugar.

Some snacks that are easy to store, such as nuts, fresh fruits, or low sugar bars, can be a good choice to keep blood sugar levels stable. By bringing your own snacks, diabetes can more easily avoid consuming high sugar foods that may not be avoided during the trip.