During travel, meal times, daily rhythms, and exercise often differ from the norm, so changes in treatment may be necessary. For this reason, self-monitoring of blood sugar is especially important.
If you have diabetes and only travel a few times a year, it's such a short period that aiming for the ideal blood sugar level is not necessary and if you are managing your condition with insulin, you can keep your blood sugar level slightly higher than normal during the trip for safety reasons.
It is advisable to prepare for travel well in advance and to make a plan ahead of time by familiarizing yourself with travel schedules, vaccinations required for the destination country, and special questions related to traveling with diabetes. It is wise to request a signed certificate of diabetes from your care provider, which can include the type of treatment and medication used.
At airport security, inform the inspector in advance if you have a pump or sensor attached. You can go through a metal detector with an insulin pump and glucose sensor, but not through body scanning, and they should not be placed on the x-ray conveyor belt. Insulin pumps usually come with a certificate of a medical device for airport security checks.
In addition to the potential change in time zones, it is good to seek information about the temperature and general conditions of the destination country. For example, being aware of insulin storage possibilities and the effects of warm climate on insulin efficacy is important when planning your trip. Plan ahead and seek advice if necessary for sudden illnesses, such as traveler's diarrhea or fever illnesses.