5 ways to stay healthy while travelling abroad

Travelling to foreign countries offers many thrills, but it also poses potential challenges, especially if you have diabetes. Before you depart for distant shores, take a few easy steps to help ensure a safe, fun trip.

• Book an appointment with your doctor six to eight weeks before your trip.

Ask him or her whether you'll need any vaccinations to get into the country you're visiting, and get those taken care of as soon as possible. Some take weeks to take effect.

• Call your health insurance company a month before you plan to leave that so you are sure to get all the information you need well ahead of time.

Find out what medical expenses your health insurance company covers while you travel internationally. If they don't offer the coverage you think you need, consider purchasing supplemental traveller's insurance.

• Make a list of doctors in the cities you are visiting who speak your language.

It's also helpful to bring the contact information for your government's consulate serving the area you'll be visiting, in case you find yourself in need of help. They may be able to assist you in finding a doctor who speaks your language.

Talking to locals in their language, even if it's just to say "hello" or "have a nice day," makes your interactions more fun.

• Buy a phrase book, and while you're studying it, make a list of other phrases that might come in handy, such as, "I have diabetes," "My blood sugar is low" or "I need orange juice."

Other cultures' cuisines may include unfamiliar foods. While you're reading about your destination, bone up on the local specialties.

• Seek out appetizers, entrées and desserts that will work well with your eating plan.

With a little research and organization, these five tips can help ensure your travels abroad are exciting in all the right ways, and that you're able to keep your diabetes under control even in unfamiliar settings.