Pocket notes when traveling to Vietnam for people with diabetes

1. Before traveling

- You should go to a hospital with an endocrinology or diabetes specialist to make sure your blood sugar is well controlled.

- If you are injecting insulin, it is best to carry a pen or 100 IU/ml vial to avoid dosage confusion.

- If you are traveling abroad, you can contact the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) or the International Association of Diabetes Assistance Travelers (IAMAT) for assistance or information in the country you are planning to visit.

When traveling abroad, you should wear an I have diabetes identification card in English and the language of the country you are visiting.

- Things to bring:

+ You must bring at least double the amount of medicine you need during the travel days, it is best to register half of your carry-on luggage and always carry it with you. You must make sure you have enough insulin, syringes, test strips, working test machine with new batteries in the machine, and other pills.

If you are traveling abroad, calculate the time zone to test and inject insulin appropriately. If the flight is moving east, the time will be early, you need to reduce the dose of insulin; if the flight is going west, you need to increase the dose of insulin compared to normal.

Insulin Storage: Avoid storing Insulin in the freezer or in places with high temperatures (car trunk, backpack, suitcase). You should prepare bags that keep the temperature between 25-28 degrees to store Insulin.

+ Card identifying you as having diabetes.

+ Always bring food in case your flight is delayed. If possible, you can order a diabetic diet when booking your flight. Bring some crackers, cheese, peanuts, a juice box, a few hard candies or sugar to treat hypoglycemia.

2. During travel

- You must make sure there is food in front of you before injecting insulin. If the food is brought late, you will have low blood sugar.

- Make sure food is fresh, cooked, drink bottled water, do not drink tap water and uncooked food.

- Make sure you wear the most suitable, soft shoes, avoid foot injuries due to wearing uncomfortable shoes, absolutely do not go barefoot. After each day, you need to check your feet carefully, look for scratches, pimples, blisters to promptly treat.

- If there is any abnormality, call the nearest local medical facility!

If you are a foreigner who needs to use medical services while traveling in Vietnam, your medical benefits will be supported as Vietnamese citizens. To ensure your medical benefits are best guaranteed, you should go with an interpreter to exchange and receive information fully and effectively.

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Wishing you a happy and safe journey!