Vacations and business travel can present some unique control challenges and safety issues. Don't travel completely alone unless you have to. In case of an emergency, a trusted friend, spouse, or companion will be invaluable, particularly if you're in a foreign country. If you're a free spirit and like to fly solo, make sure you always carry your basic medical information (i.e., name, diagnosis, medication, physician contact) on your person, and wear your medical ID.

Air Travel and Medical Devices

In the past few years, air travel security measures have changed significantly in the United States and abroad. Because having diabetes necessitates traveling with medical sharps, there are some extra steps you may need to take to ensure you have easy access to your insulin and testing supplies while flying.

• Insulin. Keep all original packaging and paperwork that come with your insulin so you can present the original printed pharmaceutical label for the medication at the airport security checkpoint. The same applies for glucagon kits. Syringes will be allowed past security only if the accompanying medication is properly labeled.

• Meters. The FAA will allow glucose meters and lancets in suitcases or carry-on baggage as long as meters are clearly marked with the manufacturer and/or brand name. Lancets should be capped and properly stored with the meter.

• Pumps and CGMS. If you wear an insulin pump or continuous monitor, inform airport security personnel and request that they visually inspect it rather than removing it. Again, have insulin documentation with you. If screeners insist you remove your insulin pump, ask to speak with a security checkpoint supervisor.

Allow plenty of extra time for getting through airport security. You may want to plan on an extra thirty to sixty minutes in addition to whatever your airline is advising for advance arrival time. This will give you breathing room if airport personnel need to check out your medical supplies. And always call the airline you'll be traveling with first to find out its specific security policies for the flight.

If you have problems with improper treatment or discrimination when traveling by air, call the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) hot line at 877-336-4872. Complaints may be filed in writing with the Transportation Security Administration, Office of Civil Rights and Liberties (TSA-6), External Compliance Division, 601 S. 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202.

Adjusting Insulin and Time Zones

International travel requires some extra planning, particularly if you take insulin. In addition to the usual jet lag, you have to keep on schedule with your medication. In general, the easiest and most practical approach is to take insulin on track with meals in the “new” time zone you're traveling in (or are en route to). However, you should always consult your doctor or diabetes educator about appropriate adjustments to insulin and medication before you travel, as her advice may vary based on the type of insulin you take, the distance you are traveling, and other factors specific to your situation.

Staying Well Abroad

To safeguard your health and safety while traveling in a foreign country, you should make sure you can communicate your needs adequately and are well supplied for the journey. Some tips:

• Get your shots. Before you go, make sure any required immunizations are up-to-date.

• Learn the language. If you don't speak the native tongue, make sure you have a guidebook to help you with basic medical phrases like “I need a doctor” and “I have diabetes.”

• Have your papers in order. Keep your doctor's name and phone number along with your written insulin schedule on you at all times, and, as always, wear your medical identification.

• Drink water. If the water is questionable, drink bottled (and hold the ice in any canned and bottled beverages you order) to avoid diarrhea or more serious illnesses.

• Keep a food supply. Make sure you have a stash of nonperishable snacks like peanut butter and crackers, canned fruit juice, raisins, dried apricots, nutrition bars, and other foods that keep well and will serve as a minimeal should your plans be interrupted.