A few years ago I went on holiday to the Dominican Republic and was having a great time when a hurricane struck.
Despite the trials and tribulations I would go again. In fact my wife and I and two friends are going to Mexico this September.
I like hot places. Just be aware that the heat can alter how your insulin is absorbed. You may need less than normal. Monitor your blood accordingly.
I am on Humalog and Lantus (Bolus/Basal) and I use the DAPHNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) method and estimate and count my carbs as accurately as I can.
I adjust my Basal when travelling by air across time zones, increasing or reducing my Lantus proportionally according to the day length on the day of flying. Let's say I need to adjust for a 30 hour day. I would take 30/24 times my normal basal dose. On returning, the day might be 18 hours so I would take 18/24 times my normal dose.
I couple this with close monitoring. I find travelling stressful and expect my normal control to be disrupted for a day or two before it returns to normal. Above all, I find exercise is a great leveller.
I always take great care that my insulin is kept cool, usually by ensuring I have a fridge in our hotel room. I use the FRIO cool bags if I have to take my insulin out and about in the heat.
I take spare insulin on holiday in case of unexpected emergencies. About 40 years ago, I was in Hong Kong and the hotel put my insulin in a freezer instead of a fridge. Fortunately I was returning home a couple of days later but it had lost most of its potency! Something similar happened when I was in Madeira despite clear written instructions to the hotel staff. I ended up having to buy a different type of insulin. Fortunately, I had a chart of insulins and their characteristics with me and was able to make an educated guess as to the best alternative as my insulins were not available there.
Living with diabetes is like walking a tightrope. There will be times when you fall off. Just get back on and carry on. Life is too short not to make the most and enjoy it.
Have a great holiday and mind the mosquitoes don't bite.
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