Diabetes and travel.

Travel can be therapeutic, but for the diabetic patient, it necessitates careful preparation. The family physician should be coordinator of the team that prepares the patient for the trip. The patient is a central member of this team, and must know as much as possible about the places to be visited, modes of transportation, facilities, etc. Current medication must be reviewed, and possible medical problems anticipated, taking climate and change of exercise pattern into account. Careful attention must be paid to current medical problems with good education concerning potential emergencies. Diabetes therapy during travelling times and the holiday must be carefully reviewed with the patient. The necessary referrals to other physicians and health professionals involved in the care of diabetes should be arranged well in advance of the holiday. Every assistance must be given to the patient to help him travel with diabetes-not from it.