Travel safety with diabetes
As travel picks up to normal levels, the French are demonstrating an increased willingness to go abroad. A 2023 Liligo study with OpinionWay revealed that 62% of French people planned to go on summer vacations – an increase of 2% on 2022. With 44% planning to travel to foreign destinations. On the other hand, domestic travel in France has lost 1% of its appeal compared to the previous year. It should be noted that many travellers in the country are affected by diabetes. By 2021, over four million French people will be suffering from this chronic disease. Travelling abroad presents unique challenges for this group of people, especially when sampling local cuisines and delicacies. If not managed properly, diabetes can detract from an otherwise positive travel experience.
Diabetes and travel habits
Diabetes is considered a silent disease because its main indicator – your blood sugar level – cannot be seen or felt. Pre-diabetes occurs when cells gradually become less able to respond to insulin, leading to a build-up of glucose in the blood. Over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes and its accompanying health complications. For some, an initial symptom of mild diabetes may manifest as chronic thirst and urinary tract infection, fatigue, dizziness and painful tingling in the hands and feet. Recognizing these subtle symptoms can encourage making the necessary lifestyle changes before symptoms worsen, or seeking medical attention for a blood test to definitively determine diabetes. Diabetes can complicate travel in terms of maintaining a consistent diet; increased levels of physical activity can also trigger blood sugar imbalances, making early diagnosis and management crucial.
If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, certain precautions need to be taken when travelling in the future. Here are a few tips:
How frequent travelers can manage diabetes
Power supplies
According to Euromonitor International, France ranks third in Europe in terms of fast food sales, totaling 19 billion euros. However, while it can be difficult to source and prepare healthy food, it’s essential to free yourself from the convenience of ordering meals online, said nutritionist Patrick Sérog. Going on vacation means trying dishes that may not be available in your home country, so according to the nutritionist, indulging for a few days shouldn’t be demonized. However, such vacation habits can be compensated for at home by eating vegetables, lean meats, aromatic herbs and low-sugar fruit. Avocados, citrus fruits and pomegranates may have specific benefits for diabetics, such as lowering blood pressure or managing postprandial blood glucose levels. If you indulge in red meat or simple carbohydrates, modify your dish by air-cooking rather than frying and opting for water instead of sugary drinks.Practice
An Ordnance Survey study revealed that while most adults only reach the recommended 10,000 daily steps a few times a week, almost two-thirds of those surveyed visited a destination solely for walking. At the same time, 19% specifically went on walking vacations. Walking can become more attractive during vacations because of the unique natural sites. Thus, diabetic patients can incorporate light physical activity into their itinerary by walking to nearby destinations. That said, too much physical activity, as may be the case on certain excursions, can cause blood sugar levels to fall too rapidly. So, as we mentioned in our previous article on travel precautions, please always inform your hotel reception or travelling companions when you leave, what your itinerary is and when you plan to return.Travel tips
If you’re diabetic, you probably need to carry insulin and other medication with you at all times, whether you’re on vacation or not. It’s essential to make sure you have enough, and preferably extra, for the duration of your trip. According to Ancileo, only 50% of French people who travel abroad take out insurance. But for diabetics, such insurance can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency abroad, so it may be wise to take one out. Check that you have the number and address of the nearest hospital or health care facility to your place of accommodation. Finally, do your best to establish a certain routine during your stay abroad. Changes in routine are all too frequent when you’re traveling, which can once again raise blood sugar levels. You can mitigate the effects of travel stress by sticking to a pre-planned itinerary and planning for contingencies in case of unforeseen delays.
Travelling with diabetes can be complex, but it’s not out of the question. You can still enjoy your vacation and even indulge yourself with food and fun if you keep the above tips in mind.
One Response
Thanks so much for covering this topic. Diabetes is a daily battle for millions and I definitely understand. I really appreciate your travel tips!