Diabetes mellitus is a chronic multisystem disease related to abnormal insulin production, impaired insulin utilization, or both. Diabetes mellitus is a serious health problem throughout the world and its prevalence is increasing rapidly. In India, an estimated 40 million people have diabetes. The prevalence in urban areas is about 9% and in the rural areas 3%. It is further estimated that 35%-40% already show some complications of the disease at the time of diagnosis.

A diabetic patient should be instructed to carry medical identification at all times indicating that he or she has diabetes. Police, paramedics, and many private citizens are aware of the need to look for this identification when working with sick or unconscious persons. Every person with diabetes should wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. An identification card can supply valuable information, such as the name of the health care provider and the type and dose of insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs.

Travel for a patient with diabetes requires advance planning. The patient should have a full set of diabetes care supplies in the carry-on luggage when traveling by plane, train, or bus A letter from the prescribing health care provider indicating medical necessity may prevent delays at security checkpoints. Screeners should be notified if an insulin pump is used so they can inspect it while it is on the body, rather than remove it.

For patients who use insulin or an oral antidiabetic drugs that can cause hypoglycemia, snack items and a quick—acting carbohydrate source for treating hypoglycemia should be included in the carry-on luggage.

Extra insulin should be available in case a bottle breaks or gets lost. In addition, the patient should carry a full day’s supply of food in the event of canceled flights, delayed meals, or closed restaurants. If the patient is planning a trip out ofthe country, it is wise to have a letter from the health care provider explaining that the patient has diabetes and requires all the materials, particularly syringes, for ongoing health care.