For most people, packing for a trip means remembering to bring the toothpaste and plenty of underwear. However, if you have diabetes, you have more things to worry about. Going on vacation doesn't mean your disease does, too.

There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your trip is a good one.

• Get all your shots ahead of time, especially immunizations. Make sure you get these at least four weeks before leaving to prevent a reaction that affects your blood sugar while you are away.

• See your health care provider to make sure your blood sugars are controlled. Have your A1C counts, blood pressure, pulses and cholesterol checked.

• Wear diabetes identification, such as a MedicAlert® bracelet. Ask your doctor for a prescription and a letter about your condition. Carry these with you at all times. If you are going to a non-English speaking country, learn how to say: "I have diabetes. Please get me to a doctor," and "Sugar or juice, please."

• Plan for time zone changes, even if it is just an hour's difference. Talk to your doctor about making adjustments in your medications, meals or insulin injections. Don't do this on your own.

• Bring along twice as many medications and supplies as you need. If you're delayed overnight or stuck in traffic, you may need more than you planned. In other countries, you could have trouble getting your prescriptions filled.

• Keep insulin cool by packing it in an insulated bag with blue ice.

• Keep your diabetes medications and insulin with you. If you're flying, keep them in your carry-on luggage or your purse. The best place to keep these, along with snacks, is at your seat, not in the overhead bin. If you're driving, don't put your supplies in the trunk, since temperatures there can quickly rise. Don't leave medications in the car.

• Make sure all your medications and supplies are well marked and include prescription information.

• Wear a watch with a beeper so you know when to take medications or insulin, have a meal or check your blood sugars. Ask your travel companion to remind you. Your new schedule may throw you off.

• Be sure to regularly stretch your legs, about every hour or so. Dangerous blood clots can develop in your legs and travel to other parts of your body.

• Let flight attendants or travel companions know about your condition and what you'll need in an emergency.

• If you are leaving the country, get a list of English-speaking doctors. Call the American Consulate or American Express for such a list.

• If meals are to be served on your flight, ask for a diabetic meal when you book the flight.

• Keep the name of an emergency contact with you.

• Be sure to track your sugars often. Changes in activity, diet, time zones and schedule may affect your control.

• If going through airport security, tell the screener that you have diabetes and have your supplies with you. If you prefer, you can ask for a visual inspection rather than walking through the metal detector or being hand-wanded.

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External Sources University of Massachusetts Medical School Transportation Security Administration National Diabetes Education Foundation Chandola T, Brunner E, Marmot M. Chronic stress at work and the metabolic syndrome: prospective study. British Medical Journal. 2006;332(7540):521-525. . Accessed March 25, 2009