A Handy Guide To Successful Outings

Summer is back and there's great reasons to get out of the house. In a perfect world, diabetes would also take a summer holiday. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way, but you can easily adapt your activities to it with a bit of preparation.

Going camping? From no-service grounds to RV trips, there can be a lot of variety to your outdoor adventures depending on your preferences. In any case, you need a way to keep your medication and meter cool during the day. If you have access to a fridge, great! Otherwise, a cooler will work. Speaking of medication, always bring a bit more than you think you’ll need, just in case. It’s also a good idea to set alarms on your phone to remind you of your schedule for testing, injections and so on.

Going to a movie? Movie theatres prohibit outside food, and their menu is full of sugar and fat. You can call the manager in advance to explain that you are living with diabetes and you need to bring your own snacks. You could also do what many people do and sneak in your snacks. If you decide to go on that route, go for water and plain popcorn, without the butter.

Got tickets to a game or a show? Entertainment centers often check bags at the entrance, so it’s not always easy to bring food in. You can always eat a good, hearty meal before heading out or check online to learn about on-site restaurant options. Many food places now offer healthy choices and just holding back on the sweet and salty toppings will go a long way.

Going on a road trip? If you’re planning on making a long journey, prepare in advance so you can resist the call of fast food signs! Make yourself nutritious snacks such as trail mixes or peanut butter sandwiches, and make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the trip. Take breaks from time to time to stretch your legs and prevent clots from forming, and remember to check your blood sugar regularly.

Going to the beach? In addition to using sunscreen and staying hydrated, you have to keep your devices and drugs away from the water, the sand and the heat—an insulated bag could work wonders here. Watch your blood sugar since sunbathing and swimming may make it fluctuate. Ideally, you would plan out a test schedule and bring healthy snacks so the odds are on your side.

Got other plans? The basic idea remains the same: prepare adequately, consult your healthcare professional if necessary and have fun! Diabetes may not take holidays, but it can come along for yours.