Diabetes can slow you down, but with proper care and proper planning it doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying your life.  Traveling to fun and even exotic places is possible, even when you have diabetes.

The most important thing to remember when you have diabetes and plan to travel is that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. With careful research and preparation, your trip will go smoothly and you should be able to avoid any major health glitches.

If you are planning to take a long trip or go to another country, visit your doctor and have a full physical to make sure that you have your diabetes under control. Have your doctor give you a letter explaining that you are being treated for diabetes and have him give you a prescription for any medications that you take, such as insulin pills or shots. If you were to lose your medication, you would need this prescription to get more. Make sure that you have a sufficient amount of medication to make it through the duration of your trip.

If you are traveling out of the country, research the prescriptions laws for your destination. Also make sure that you are familiar with any laws for transporting your medication and make a list of doctors that speak English in the cities you are traveling to. Being able to communicate with your doctor in the event of a medical emergency is important. It is also a good idea to learn a few foreign phrases such as "I have diabetes" or "I need juice, please" and always wear your medical ID bracelet or necklace, so anyone that might treat you immediately knows that you are diabetic.

When you make your flight plans, be sure to request a special diabetic meal. These types of requests usually need to be made at least two days in advance of your flight. If the airline doesn’t have a meal made specifically for diabetics, request a meal that is low in sugar and fat. When you board the plane, make sure that you tell the flight attendant that you requested the diabetic meal. Wait until the flight attendant serves you your meal, before you take your insulin shot. This will insure that you won’t have low blood glucose in the event that your meal is delayed. It is also a good idea to bring a few snacks with you on the plane in case there is a mix up and your meal didn’t make it on the plane. The last thing you want is an empty stomach while you fly.

While you travel, remember to set aside time to rest. Don’t pack your schedule to the point that you get run down or become ill. Check your feet everyday for blisters and make sure that if one develops you give it proper care.

With a little planning and a pinch of prevention, traveling with diabetes is easier than you think.