(BPT) - Staying healthy during the busy holiday travel season can be challenging, especially for those living with diabetes. A change in routine, inconsistent meals and stress associated with travel can all affect the ability to successfully manage one’s diabetes.

“I am one of the nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes,” says Julie McQueen, a member of the Sanofi US Lantus^® Champions program, a network of people living with diabetes who have achieved personal diabetes goals. “At first, I was worried about whether or not my diagnosis would affect my ability to travel. Learning how to be prepared was the key for me.”

Now that Julie is experienced in traveling and managing diabetes, she has helpful tips for others who may be in a similar situation:

Be prepared

While traveling, it can be easy to give-in to eating foods you normally would avoid at home. Julie suggests packing diabetes-friendly snacks to help avoid the temptation of unhealthy but convenient options. Granola bars, fruit and anything pre-packaged with a low carb count can be healthy alternatives. If fast food is the only option, Julie suggests opting for the salad or fruit parfait.

Maintain physical activity

Although it seems like travelers spend a lot of time sitting in a car, there are many opportunities to maintain physical activity while you are traveling. Julie always checks ahead to see if there is a gym or a suitable place to walk around her destination. Places like a zoo or park are great places to get exercise, while still exploring your destination. Simple things like taking the stairs in the hotel instead of the elevator are always a good choice to increase physical activity. Always ask your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Keep on track with treatment

While packing a bag before hitting the road, Julie always makes sure she has her prescription. She suggests packing extra medication and prescription slips, just in case. Julie uses once a day insulin Lantus^® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), which comes in the Lantus^® SoloSTAR^®, a disposable pre-filled pen, as part of an overall diabetes treatment plan which includes a healthy diet, exercise and oral medications. Julie notes it’s important to work with a healthcare professional, no matter what time of the year, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Indications and Usage for Lantus^® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)

Prescription Lantus^® is a long-acting insulin used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. It should be taken once a day at the same time each day to lower blood glucose.

Do not use Lantus^® to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

Important Safety Information for Lantus^® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)

Do not take Lantus^® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients in Lantus^®.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus^®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus^® with any other insulin or solution. It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Lantus^® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus^®, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia may be serious and life threatening. It may cause harm to your heart or brain. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.

Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus^®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

Lantus^® SoloSTAR^® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. Please talk to your healthcare provider about proper injection technique and follow instructions in the Instruction Leaflet that accompanies the pen.

For Full Prescribing Information for Lantus^® please visit www.Lantus.com or call 1-800-633-1610.

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