With a little extra preparation, it is entirely possible to enjoy all the normal activities of life. Many celebrities and performers like Halle Barry, Randy Jackson and Patti LaBelle successfully pursue their careers while controlling their diabetes at the same time. This is one of many reasons why you should not be discouraged from participating in things you enjoy. Following a healthy diet does not necessarily mean eating things you won’t like, exercising does not need to constrain your time, and numerous other activites that might seem out of reach are entirely within your grasp.

Successful travel, for instance, can seem more difficult than it actually is. With the help of the 1st Step Diabetes Wellness Center, you can plan appropriately. The first step, especially if you have not significantly traveled before, should be a visit to your doctor. Your doctor will tell you if your planned trip is feasible and will provide you with all the shots, prescriptions and information (such as contacts for other doctors) that you will need to manage the medical side of your trip. Your doctor will likely explain to you that you should be prepared to identify yourself as a patient with diabetes, in the event that something should go wrong. You will also want to keep in mind the length of your visit, which will influence how much you pack. The general rule is to pack more than you think you will need and keep insulin, testing equipment and food on you at all times. Knowing exactly what kind of food will be available to you is good, but keeping safe backup food is better. If you are crossing time zones, you’ll want to make sure you understand how to keep shots on schedule without getting confused. In general, as long as you stay vigilant, you’ll be able to enjoy the full potential of your travel experience.

These travel tips are just one example of how you can enjoy virtually any activity you want, given the right preparation. There is a tremendous amount of information available, at the Center and elsewhere online, which can help you to enjoy life more fully with diabetes. Most of the time, if you feel held back or have questions about an activity you are interested in, you will not have to look far to find answers. For more information about diet and exercise, please take a look at the 1st Step Diabetes Wellness Center’s Nutrition and Exercise guides, or come down to the Center itself for a full consultation and counseling.