Whether driving to a summer cottage or flying to a family reunion, there are ways to make traveling with a health condition or with someone who is managing a health condition, a stress-free situation. Travel anxiety can be alleviated through careful preparation by keeping the focus on the exploration of new destinations with family and friends, not on the minute-by-minute management of a health condition. Diabetes in particular can be easily managed on the road when proper preventative measures are taken.

Diabetes is a growing epidemic in the U.S. For the more than 18.2 million Americans currently diagnosed with diabetes, and the 20.1 million at risk for developing the condition, planning ahead before hitting the road is essential. Diabetes does not need to hinder the vacation; however, it is important to be prepared for any circumstance prior to traveling. Being away from home will likely interfere with daily routines and habits. In order to best manage their condition, those with diabetes must be aware of the effect these changes will have on blood sugar levels and regular blood testing.

"Even if just heading out for a daytrip, it’s essential to thoroughly prepare for travel, especially if there are pre-existing health concerns," says health care professional and author of The Diabetes Travel Guide, Davida F. Kruger MSN, APRN, BC-ADM.

"Be ready for the unexpected, including delayed flights, traffic and lost luggage. Being a well-organized traveler is the key to having a fun and relaxing vacation."

Kruger recommends that people with diabetes keep these tips in mind before and during travel:

Understand Your Health Insurance Plan. Wherever the destination, call ahead in order to fully understand how your particular health care plan works in that area. In case of an emergency, wear a medical identification bracelet and carry a letter from a health care professional that outlines your medical conditions and allergies.

Double Up On Necessities. It’s important to pack twice as many diabetes supplies and medications than would typically be needed. The extra supplies will come in handy if unforeseen situations - flight delays, misplaced supplies or illness - should arise.

Pack With a Purpose. Carry diabetes medications and supplies at all times. Never pack diabetes medications in the luggage to be checked. With heightened airport security, those with health conditions should carry a letter from a health care professional stating medical history, doctor’s contact information and any medications that they are carrying with them. This type of letter can easily be obtained through a health care professional.

Prepare For a Missed Meal. Situations may arise that prevent eating at a regularly scheduled mealtime, which can have a severe effect on blood sugar levels. In case of a missed meal, unsavory food selections or delayed travel, carry fruit, crackers or Glucerna® Shakes and Bars. These shakes, meal bars and snack bars are specifically designed for people with diabetes and contain a unique blend of carbohydrates clinically shown to help manage blood sugar levels. Glucerna products are intended to be used under medical supervision. For more information, visit www.glucerna.com.

Avoid a Zone Out. If traveling to a time zone that’s a three-hour change or greater, you may need to modify the time your diabetes medication or insulin is taken. Discuss arrangements with a health care professional prior to traveling.

"People with diabetes can have a relaxed and enjoyable vacation, if they keep well-informed and are as organized as possible prior to leaving," said Kruger. "Working with a health care professional, carrying a meal replacement like Glucerna Weight Loss Shakes or Meal Bars for unanticipated delays, and knowing how and where to pack supplies can help make traveling a stress-free adventure."

For more tips on traveling with diabetes and general diabetes management tools, visit www.glucerna.com or the American Diabetes Association (ADA)’s Web site at www.diabetes.org. If interested in purchasing The Diabetes Travel Guide, please call the ADA’s hotline at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

Traveling With Arthritis
Another serious health condition that requires special attention while traveling is arthritis. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., with more than 40 million Americans having some form of the condition. When traveling with arthritis or joint inflammation, it is important to plan ahead to ensure that special needs can be met.

Sign Up For a Spacious Seat. When booking a flight, inquire about a seat on the airplane that has extra legroom. This will provide more room to spread out and avoid feeling "crunched" in a seat.

Reserve the Right Room. When making a hotel reservation, request a handicapped access room or a room in close proximity to the elevator. This will provide the traveler with arthritis with extra amenities to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Request Refrigeration. If traveling with arthritis medications that need to be kept cool, ask train or airline personnel to refrigerate medications while on board or in flight.

Outside of pre-existing health conditions, like diabetes and arthritis, there are conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis, that can be developed while traveling.

Avoiding Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or a deep vein blood clot, is a concern for all travelers, as prolonged sitting in a single position and dehydration are often a part of traveling. Those with certain pre-existing medical conditions are at a heightened risk, including travelers who are pregnant, over 40 or obese. If one is at increased risk for developing DVT, contact your physician prior to traveling.

Get Physical. Remember to stretch and walk as often as possible. Exercising legs at least once an hour, especially during long-distance travel will help prevent DVT.

Dress For Success. Wear loose fitting clothes to stay comfortable and allow for proper circulation.

Rehydrate With Water. Carry a bottle of water at all times to keep well hydrated.

Travel should be an exciting journey. When traveling with a health condition, whether diabetes, arthritis or another condition, careful preparation and attentiveness is essential to keeping the adventure in the journey, not the health management.

American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities. To obtain a copy of the diabetes risk test or to receive diabetes-related information (in English or Spanish), please call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

Abbott’s Ross Products Division
As a world leader in nutrition, the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories is committed to helping people of all ages meet their nutritional needs. Abbott pioneered the market for adult nutritionals more than three decades ago. Today, the family of adult nutritional products includes Ensure®, Glucerna® and ZonePerfect®. For more information about Abbott's Ross Products Division, visit www.ross.com.

Abbott Laboratories is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 55,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.