Having diabetes doesn’t stop you going traveling, getting pregnant, or getting sick! However, you need to be aware of how to handle your diabetes in relation to these special circumstances. 

When you get sick and you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels can get very high. When the body releases hormones to fight diseases, these hormones also raise blood sugar levels and interfere with the blood sugar-lowering effects of insulin. Make sure you have a prepared plan for sick days that includes when to call your doctor, how often to measure blood sugar, what medicines to take, and how to eat. In general:

• Drink at least 8 oz of water an hour to prevent dehydration.
• Always continue to take your medications even if you are throwing up.
• If you have Type 2 diabetes check blood glucose levels at least four times a day. If blood sugar is higher than 300 you may need to measure ketones as well. For those with Type 1 diabetes you may need to take these measurements every four hours.
• Stick to your normal meal plan if you can. Replace regular foods with things like gelatin, crackers, soups and applesauce, or drink liquids that contain carbohydrates. Aim for 50g of carbohydrate every 3-4 hours.
• Do not exercise when you are sick. Exercising when you are sick can make blood glucose levels fluctuate dramatically and slow healing down.
• Always check the label of over-the-counter medicines such as cough medicine to check for sugar content.
• Get a yearly flu shot.

If you go traveling you can make your trip safer and more enjoyable by some simple planning ahead.

• Before a long trip, take a medical exam to assess how well your diabetes is under control.
• Take a letter from your doctor with you explaining your condition and how it is treated. Also take a prescription for insulin or diabetes pills in case of emergency. Make sure the prescription is valid where you are traveling.
• Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that shows you have diabetes.
• Pack at least twice as much medication and blood-testing supplies as you think you will need. If you are flying, always take at least half of this as carry-on luggage.
• Take a snack pack with you at all times. Pack it with foods you may not be able to get immediately including some form of sugar for treating low blood glucose.

If you want to get pregnant it is important to plan ahead and stay very focused on your overall health. Keeping blood glucose under control is essential to the good health of you and your baby, both before and during pregnancy. If you plan to have a baby:

• Keep a very strict watch on glucose levels. If these are not under control there is a risk of birth defects. During the first six weeks of pregnancy when the baby’s organs are forming, you may not even know you are pregnant. For this reason, good blood sugar control before you get pregnant is crucial. Plan for your pregnancy and try to have your blood sugar under control for 3-6 months before getting pregnant. 
• Make sure you see a doctor who knows how to take care of pregnant women with diabetes.
• Have your eyes and kidneys checked as pregnancy can lead to complications in these areas.
• As with any woman who is pregnant, do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use harmful drugs. These directly affect your baby.
• Continue to work with your health care team to maintain good blood glucose levels, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.
• Be aware that your insulin needs may change when you become pregnant.

When managing diabetes it's important to remember that you don't have to do it alone. Professionals are trained to help you, and friends and family are there to support you. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, make sure you tell those close to you about it and establish a good partnership with your doctor, dietitian, nurse practitioner, and pharmacist.

For more help, advice, and information you can also:

• See your doctor and ask him or her about local diabetes groups that you can get involved in.
• Find a diabetes educator that you can discuss issues with. Click on the Diabetes Educator link below to find one in your local area.
• Contact a dietitian to advise you on foods and meal plans. Click on the Eatright.org link below to find one in your local area.
• Click on the American Diabetes Association website link below.

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Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please see your doctor immediately if any of the following occurs:

• Your blood glucose level is consistently high or low even though you are taking your insulin/medications correctly.
• Your symptoms worsen
• You get chest pain, vision problems, sweatiness or numbness