Day 7: When Life Happens

You’ve established a daily pattern for yourself that’ll help you remember to take your medicine. And you find that, here on Day 7, your diabetes treatment plan has become a normal part of your routine. That’s great news.

But what happens when life suddenly interrupts your day-by-day routine? Say you’ve been invited to dinner with friends. Or you need to take a flight to go to a family member’s wedding. Or you come down with the flu. Now what?

Dining Out Enjoy a dinner with friends with these helpful tips.	Traveling Things to know when you’re on the road.	When You Get Sick Make a difficult time a little less stressful with these guidelines
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When You’re Dining Out

Sometimes, a change in your schedule is something that you’re looking forward to—like dining out. Fortunately, you can still enjoy restaurants if you stick with the nutritional guidelines your doctor or dietitian discussed with you.

Here are a few simple rules to follow when dining out:

Choose a restaurant with a variety of choices. You may be able to see their menu online Call the restaurant and ask if they can prepare a special meal for you Eat the same portion that you would at home. Take any leftovers home with you Order a healthy (not fried, not breaded) appetizer or two instead of an entrée, along with a salad. And try saying "no thanks" when the waiter brings the bread basket to the table

Share plates with your dining partners Ask for sauces, gravies, and salad dressings on the side Order fish or meat that's grilled or broiled, without butter Substitute an extra vegetable for french fries

When You’re on the Road

Diabetes doesn’t have to keep you grounded. You can follow your passion as long as you bring the right supplies and plan ahead.

Here are some things to think about before you take insulin with you on your next vacation.

Getting Ready

If you're traveling to a different time zone, talk to your doctor about when you should take your insulin shots Get written prescriptions for your insulin and diabetes pills as well as other medicines in case you need to get more while you're away If you're traveling to another country, get a list of International Diabetes Federation groups at www.idf.org. They should be able to help you fill a prescription and find a doctor in case of an emergency

Be sure to wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a wallet card that says you have diabetes Be sure that your medicines are labeled so they are identifiable Pack at least twice as much medicine and blood-testing supplies as you think you'll need. Pack at least half in your carry-on bag and keep it with you

In the Airport and on the Plane

Before going through security at the airport, tell the screener that you have diabetes and you're carrying supplies with you The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends (but does not require) that you bring supporting documentation for your medication needs. For details, visit www.tsa.gov

When you make your reservation, you can ask for a special meal that's low in sugar, fat, and cholesterol Keep snacks handy in your carry-on bag in case the food tray doesn't come

Once You Arrive

Check your blood sugar level as soon as you land because jet lag can make it hard to tell if your level is above or below target ranges If they're already opened, Lantus® SoloSTAR® pens or Lantus® vials don't have to be refrigerated while you're away (for up to 28 days) as long as they aren't stored in a place that's very hot or very cold

Be alert to changes in the appearance of your insulin or changes in your insulin needs. If needed, contact your doctor for advice about this

When You’re Under the Weather

If you’re trying to control your blood sugar levels, getting sick brings an extra little burden. That’s because your body is releasing hormones that not only fight infection but also raise blood sugar levels.

Discuss a plan of action with your doctor before you get sick that includes:

• If you should adjust your insulin dose while you are sick
• How often you should check your blood sugar levels
• How to reach your doctor if you need help at off-hours

What to Eat or Drink When You're Sick

You should consume foods that have 15 grams of carbohydrates, which is equal to one carbohydrate serving.

Food Item	Amount
Fruit juice	½ cup
Soda (regular, not diet)	½ cup
Gelatin (regular, not sugar-free)	½ cup
Frozen ice pops (regular, not sugar-free)	½ twin
Saltine crackers	6 squares
Bread	1 slice
Soup	1 cup
Apple sauce	½ cup
Macaroni, noodles, rice	⅓ cup (cooked)

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Keep a Record

Keep track of how you’re doing by keeping a record in your blood sugar log.

Don't take any nonprescription medicines without talking with your doctor. Many nonprescription medicines affect your blood sugar level.