Traveling for work or pleasure can be wonderful.
It can also be not-so wonderfully stressful—especially when you’re managing Type 2 diabetes.
Regular schedules and routines can be interrupted by social events and a seemingly endless array of tempting sweet treats.
Want to stay on track while traveling? Use our quick tips to stay grounded and healthy.
1. Plan ahead
Being prepared and flexible will go a long way in helping you maintain your overall health and well-being during your travels.
The single most helpful thing to do? Meal planning and prepping.
Stop by the grocery store on the weekend to stock up on nutritious food items you’ll need throughout the week for healthy meals.
Having packed lunches and snacks will prevent you from going out and not being in control of the menu.
Make your calendar your best friend and create digital reminders or sticky notes for what you plan to eat.
Also, use this method to block out time for exercise —even if it’s just a quick walk.
2. Pack your pillbox
Tote your portable pillbox with you to ensure you don’t miss a single dose of your medications, vitamins, supplements, or Pendulum Glucose Control.
Keep Pendulum Glucose Control cold with refrigerated ice packs or a cooler while you’re en route.
If you’ll be flying, pack it in your suitcase with the ice packs or call your airlines ahead of time to see if the flight attendants wouldn't mind putting your pillbox in the fridge during the flight.
3. Stay active
Exercise is often the first thing to slide while traveling. It’s important, however, to get in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily or as recommended by your healthcare provider.
It can be as simple as a brisk walk around the neighborhood.
Stuck on a plane, train, or long car ride? Do a few stretches in your seat or take a stroll up and down the aisle if you can.
4. Keep your eating in balance
You might be tempted to “save” all of your food indulgences for a special dinner with friends or co-workers, but that can be (literally) a recipe for disaster in terms of blood-sugar spikes.
Keep your body in balance by eating a healthy breakfast and lunch. That way, you’ll be less likely to overindulge during dinner and can choose with intention.
Bonus tip: pack healthy snacks that increase your fiber intake (nuts, fruits with skin, vegetables) to curb in-between-meal cravings.