Summer Travel Tips for People with Diabetes and Arthritis

Pack Smartly

Have you ever had a vacation where you made it to your destination, but your bags did not? Be prepared for this inevitable travel misery by bringing your most important items in a carry-on bag. Keep your insulin, arthritis medication, and all other daily meds and vitamins close at hand, as well as important insurance or other medical cards. If there’s a delay in bags arriving, at least you’ll have these important things in case you need them.

Be Careful in the Sun and Heat

Nothing says summer like rising temperatures and bright sunshine. While heat can really be a challenge for people with diabetes and arthritis, it doesn’t have to impede your travels.

Why is heat dangerous? Some people with diabetes have damaged nerves or blood vessels. This damage can also affect sweat glands, decreasing your body’s natural ability to cool itself. If a person becomes too hot, it can lead to heat stroke.

People with diabetes can also become dehydrated easier. Dehydration can lead to rising blood sugar levels. High temperatures can also affect how your body uses insulin.

Prolonged sun exposure can cause sunburn, causing flare-ups for people with arthritis.

Traveling to cooler or milder places might make things easier. But, if you do decide to visit the beach, the lake, or the desert, be sure to monitor your health accordingly. It may be a good idea to test your blood sugar more often and adjust your insulin, or food and drink intake accordingly. Wear lightweight and breathable clothes or use things like personal fans or cooling towels to keep yourself from getting overheated.

It's also important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from too much sun exposure. Wearing shading headgear like a large hat or visor is also helpful.

Pack a Cushion or Pillow

Whether you are flying or driving, sometimes the trip is long. Sitting in one place for a long time can make you stiff and uncomfortable, especially if you live with arthritis. Lumbar cushions or neck pillows can help you to travel in more comfort.

Stick to Your Diet

When on vacation, many people truly let loose, but it’s important to stick as closely to your diet as possible to keep your blood sugar at healthy levels. This might be easier said than done, however, since tasting the local flavors is often part of the travel experience. If you’re determined to try a Chicago deep dish, a New Orleans beignets, or a Miami Cuban sandwich, do so with caution. Modest portions will help keep your blood sugar in check. It’s also a good idea to only indulge occasionally while away from home and select healthy options for the rest of your meals.

Wear the Right Footwear

Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, but the right socks are just as important. Wearing a good pair of seamless socks, like SmartKnit Seamless Socks, will help protect feet from injury and abrasion from seams rubbing against the feet. Moisture-wicking fibers keep these socks dry and keep the wearer cooler and feet more protected. Super soft yarns and a snug design provide more comfort, which is necessary for both people with diabetes and arthritis.

You might also consider wearing compression socks like Core-Spun Compression Socks, when traveling. Compression helps to keep the blood flowing, especially during travel, and can prevent dangerous blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Core-Spun Compression Socks are made with moisture-wicking yarns that wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and cooler. It’s important, however, due to your existing medical conditions, to ask your doctor before wearing compression.

Summer awaits! Plug your destination into your GPS and let the travels begin! Bon Voyage!

* Source: CDC.gov

This is general information and not intended to diagnose or treat patients. It is the provider's responsibility to ascertain the appropriateness of individual applications of compression therapy. Patients should always consult with their provider prior to wearing compression products.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Compression products should not be worn and are contraindicated if you have any of the following conditions: severe arterial insufficiency, cutaneous infections, acute dermatitis, wet dermatosis, uncontrolled congestive heart failure, skin irritations, allergies to dyes.

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This is general information and not intended to diagnose or treat patients. It is the provider's responsibility to ascertain the appropriateness of individual applications of compression therapy. Patients should always consult with their provider prior to wearing compression products.