Preparing for the summer holidays
Don’t forget yourself this ‘silly season’
Here are some things to remember during this busy ‘silly season’ that can help to keep your health a top priority.
1. Check out if and when your regular diabetes team will be away
- Will the service be closed?
- If so, when does it close and when does it reopen?
- Make your appointments with these dates in mind.
- Is there a locum (backup) service that will be available during this time?
2. Are you planning to travel?
- Get advice about insulin and medication adjustments, especially if you are going overseas and across time zones.
- Make an appointment with your diabetes educator to talk about this in advance.
- If you want to prepare an emergency plan and kit if you are visiting areas where bushfires occur you can find more information here.
- You can find more detailed tips here on our travel and diabetes page.
3. Stocktake your supplies!
- Check that you have enough prescription medication supplies (especially insulin) to last over the holiday period, so you don’t run out.
- Don’t forget to check your stock of other diabetes supplies too (CGM, insulin pump consumables, glucose & ketone test strips, pen needles).
4. Manage your management.
- Make sure you know how to manage the changes in food and alcohol intake that will likely happen during the festive season.
- See your usual dietitian or diabetes educator to make a plan for eating and drinking at parties.
5. Write up a list - and check it twice
- Make a list of who to contact about insulin adjustment and sick days just in case you need it
- This may be your GP or their locum service or the nearest Priority Care Centre or public hospital.
- Keep important phone numbers close at hand - on the fridge, with your diabetes supplies, in your mobile phone or by your landline phone.
- Try to find some time to rest, relax and refresh yourself to maintain your emotional health.
