One of the first things any traveler would consider bringing on a trip would be their smartphone, and for good reason: smartphones fulfill so many uses in a conveniently small package.
However, with the number of apps available on the app store, it’s sometimes difficult to sift through all of them to find the one that’s perfect for what you need, especially as a person living with diabetes.
Here are some phone apps that can help make your vacation as a traveling diabetic easier and more manageable.
1. Weather: AccuWeather
Available on: iOS (Free) and Android (Free)
AccuWeather is a weather app that’s available on both iOS and Android phones.
One of the reasons why vacation plans go awry is because of unplanned weather. What’s worse is that the weather is completely out of your control. The best you can do is plan ahead, and you can do so with an app like AccuWeather.
Featuring MinuteCast®, AccuWeather updates its forecasts by the minute for the next two hours wherever you are. Use this app to know what you need to pack and where you need to go in case the temperature gets too hot or cold.
2. Blood Sugar Count: Glucose Buddy
Available on: iOS (Free) and Android (Free)
Glucose Buddy: Diabetes Log is a free app downloadable for both iOS and Android phones. With Glucose Buddy, you can track and log your blood glucose, carbohydrate intake, insulin dosage, activities, A1C, blood pressure, and weight.
By having this on your phone you can make sure you’re not only following your diet, but also taking your medicines on time and at the correct dosage. Built-in alarms and reminders would keep you on track.
This is especially important as you can easily forget to take your medication when you’re having a great time.
3. Checklist App: Evernote
Available on: iOS (Free) and Android (Free)
Evernote is a productivity app that allows you to make lists, reminders, and even take pictures on both iOS and Android phones.
If you’re the type of traveler who likes creating itineraries or just someone goes wherever the wind takes them, this app can help you keep every plan and every detail in one place.
Evernote also syncs your documents across platforms. If you ever find organizing your plans on your laptop or computer easier, you’ll still have it on your smartphone without having to print it out. It even has a search feature so all your notes and lists are easy to find.
4. Local Food: Yelp
Available on: iOS (Free) and Android (Free)
Yelp, which is based off its website counterpart, is a free mobile app that features crowdsourced reviews of local businesses, including restaurants.
If you’re looking for a place to eat, Yelp can help you find a restaurant the fits your needs. You can peek at menus and prices as well, so you can stay within your diet and price range. In addition, you can access reviews to give you an idea of the restaurant’s specialties or if the visit is worth it at all.
5. Language Translator: Google Translate
Available on: iOS (Free) and Android (Free)
Developed by Google, Google Translate is an impressive and essential app for any traveler. Aside from being able to translate between 103 languages via typing, it can also translate via camera, during conversations, or through handwritten letters. However, these modes of translation are limited much fewer languages. Still, the app can translate 52 languages offline.
As a travelling diabetic, it’s ideal that you learn how to say a few phrases pertaining to your condition in the local tongue. For example, “I need help” or “I have diabetes” or “Where is the pharmacy?” would be particularly helpful in case of emergencies.
Take advantage of technology
While most pundits blame technology to the growing rate of child obesity in the developed and developing world, it wouldn’t be fair to generalize technology as having more negative effects than positive. Without technology, these apps wouldn’t be possible. Also, the mass production of your medications and favorite herbal supplement for diabetes wouldn’t be possible. Finally, you wouldn’t even be here right now, reading this particular article.
Although you shouldn’t let yourself be glued to your smartphone while you could be enjoying your vacation, having one definitely has its perks. Make sure your phone has these apps on your phone so you can make managing your trip and your diabetes a breeze.
