International Travel For Diabetics: Part I

My husband and I are jetting off to Amsterdam next week to celebrate 3 years of marital bliss. I'm feeling prepared even though I haven't packed yet. Traveling to other countries is easy...IF you're prepared. Having diabetes makes it a bit more complex but that's no reason to stress about it.

In preparation for this upcoming International travel, I'm going to post a series this week on how to prepare for a trip like this. Breaking the tasks up makes them feel more manageable, and it helps me take a chill pill!

Item #1 on My Personal Diabetes Travel Checklist:

Medications & Supplies

A month before leaving for the trip, I make sure I've got enough medication and other diabetes supplies to last 3 times the length of the trip. For this 8-day trip, I've got enough insulin, test strips, pump supplies, batteries, etc for 24 days. I know that 3 times the quantity you need sounds like a lot, but who wants to be stuck in a foreign country without supplies if war breaks out or some other horrible circumstance keeps you from getting home. Not me. Better to be safe than sorry.

The 1-month preparation window gives you enough time to talk to you doctor, pharmacist, and diabetes supply company to request and receive extra meds and supplies. It also gives you some wiggle room in case you have to beg them to get your insurance company to cover the additional supplies (I've had to do this before!)

Stay tuned this week for the rest of My Personal Diabetes Travel Checklist. You won't want to miss it!