Always pack more insulin and oral diabetes medication in case your journey is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. The same goes for other diabetes supplies such as blood glucose monitors, test strips and lancets.

The Department of Endocrinology at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group, shares what to pack when travelling overseas if you have diabetes .

Travel documents

1. Travel memo
2. Prescription from your doctor
3. Medik Awas* card

* The Medik Awas card alerts medical personnel to specific medical problems of registrants. It is useful for those with diabetes since it contains important information like your medical conditions and the medications you are on. Speak to your doctor to enroll you in the Medik Awas scheme or visit www.sma.org.sg for more information.

Diabetes medication

1. Insulin
2. Injection needles/insulin pen devices
3. Alcohol swabs
4. Insulated cooler bag
5. Reusable ice gel pack
6. Oral diabetes medications or other oral medications (if any)

Blood glucose monitoring consumables

1. Glucometer
2. Batteries
3. Test strips
4. Lancing device
5. Lancet
6. Recording log sheet/book

Snacks to cope with hypoglycaemia

Changes in your travel itinerary or transportation delays can affect when you have your next meal, and in turn, your medication. It is important to have carbohydrate foods available at hand to treat hypoglycaemia. Have a variety of carbohydrate snacks at hand.

These include:

• Quick-acting carbohydrates: Fruit juices, sugar-coated jellied sweets and soft drinks (not the diet version)
• Slow-acting carbohydrates: Bread, biscuits and crackers

Related article:  Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Glucose): What To Do

See previous page for pre-departure planning tips.

See next page for information on how to pack your insulin.

Ref: L20

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