Getting Away

Vaccinations

Vaccinations when travelling to certain countries are recommended.  You should check with your travel agent and GP if these are required.

Long Haul

Preparing for a long journey does require more thought.  If you are crossing time zones or travelling for many hours, you are right to be concerned about your insulin regime.  Do contact our Diabetes Team for advice.

Insurance

Free or reduced cost emergency treatment is available in other EU countries.  You should ask your local Post Office or contact the Department of Health for the appropriate form.  Insurance is vital when traveling abroad to cover medical services and equipment.  A holiday insurance package that does not exclude pre-existing illness should be obtained.  Check with your insurance company and make the company aware you have diabetes.

Diet

Airlines are usually helpful when arranging meals, but you can have the standard meals provided and make up the difference with your own supply of carbohydrates.  Remember to always carry extra in your hand luggage.  Planes can be delayed so remember to take your emergency carbohydrates with you.  It may be useful for you to find out the carbohydrate content of several typical foods from the country you are travelling to.  You should consult your dietitian for special information.

Customs & Excise

You are not required by law to declare your insulin or other equipment.  To prevent unnecessary confusion it is a good idea to carry an ID card.  For some countries you will also need a letter from your Diabetes Team as an ID card is not always sufficient e.g. the Far East.

Storage of Insulin

When travelling by air, you should always carry your insulin and equipment with you in the cabin.  Wherever possible you should give spares to your travelling companions.  Aeroplanes fly at altitudes that can cause freezing in the baggage hold so don't pack your insulin and equipment in your suitcase.  Containers to keep insulin supplies cool are available i.e. cool bags.  However, if your destination has access to cool storage these should not be necessary.

Illness

If you suffer from travel sickness you should still take your appropriate medication as directed.  Management of travel sickness/diarrhoea should be discussed with your Diabetes Team prior to travelling.  If sickness and/or diarrhoea do develop,  you can substitute solid foods with carbohydrate containing fluids, i.e. sweetened drinks.

NEVER STOP YOUR INSULIN EVEN IF YOU CANNOT TOLERATE SOLID FOODS

You should monitor your blood glucose levels frequently and adjust insulin as appropriate and remember to take your ketone testing equipment with you.  If sickness and/or diarrhoea persist you SHOULD SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE.

Climate

If travelling to a warmer climate you should know that: -

Remember to: -

• Use high factor sunscreen and avoid walking barefoot on the beach (because it is especially important to avoid damage to the skin)
• Drink plenty of fluid to replace that lost by perspiration

If travelling to a cooler climate you should know that: -

Remember to: -