Travel and Diabetes

Travelling can be fun and everyone needs to do some preparation for holidays and trips away from home.

Unfortunately you cannot leave your diabetes behind when going on holiday and, there is no doubt, for those of you on insulin therapy, this can be a challenging experience. But with a little pre-planning you will be able to enjoy your holiday without any problems. Remember to check with your Diabetes Specialist Nurse who can help with any worries you may have.

So, don’t panic! If you have diabetes, you just need to plan a little more and prepare in advance. Hopefully the following advice will help you plan how to manage your diabetes when travelling overseas and reduce the stress of coping in a different environment.
 

Arrange:

  • Travel insurance – if you are on insulin, check that your policy covers diabetic emergencies.
  • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaced E111 from 1st January 2006. This card entitles you to reduced cost or free medical treatment whilst in a European Economic Area (EEA) country. You can apply online, by post or by telephone and the following information will be required:
  • Name and date of birth
  • National insurance (NI) number
  • Depending on your destination you may need vaccinations and antimalarial tablets. Be aware that some vaccinations can temporarily affect your diabetes and you may need to adjust your medication as advised.
  • If going on a long trip find out what types and strengths of insulin are available in the country you are visiting.
  • Top tip - pack a cool bag to keep your insulin cool on the beach!
In view of recent restrictions on hand luggage check with the airline for local policy, prior to your travel date.

Always carry a Doctor’s letter (from your GP or Diabetes Centre) confirming the need to carry insulin equipment. This letter should give a contact telephone number and address should this need verified.

 

Hand luggage – what to pack

  • Diabetes bracelet or card. A personalised ID card and leaflets written in the language of the country you are visiting can be obtained from Diabetes UK
  • Insurance documents
  • Testing equipment, insulin, syringes or pens, needles, tablets if prescribed and safe device for sharps disposal. Insulin must be stored in hand luggage for two reasons; luggage can get lost but just as importantly insulin can freeze in the hold rendering it inactive! It is a good idea to take twice as much equipment as necessary.
  • Carry supplies to deal with any hypos (hypoglycaemia). These may include glucose sweets, Glucagel and Glucagon kit.
  • Include snacks and drinks in your hand luggage. (If the airline does not allow these items at check-in, buy them in the shops at the boarding area. Not ideal but sometimes necessary due to security restrictions.) These are essential items especially for people on insulin. Carry enough food for the entire journey and remember delays or changes in schedule are common. Be prepared!
  • Sun cream and a hat
  • First aid supplies

The journey - on board tips

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Monitor blood sugars regularly, at least every four hours
  • Avoid alcohol
  • If you are eating on-board meals make sure they contain carbohydrate, or supplement with your own snacks.

Long journeys – long haul travel tips

  • Relax glycaemic control a little. It is best to let your sugars run a bit higher that risk hypoglycaemia
  • Flying East – the day will be shortened and you may need less insulin. Reduce pre-flight dose as advised. Less than four hours time change can usually be ignored. Monitor blood sugars frequently and give next dose at usual time in the new time zone.
  • Flying West – the day will be longer so you may need more food and insulin / tablets. Pre-flight give normal doses. Extra food and insulin may be required in-flight – again take advice from Diabetes Specialist Nurse. Monitor blood sugars frequently and give next dose at usual time in the new time zone
  • Treat hypoglycaemia promptly!
  • More advice available from Diabetes UK.
  • If you are crossing time zones ask for specific advice from your Diabetes Specialist Nurse.

Preparing for climate change!

Hot climate -

  • Remember sun safety! Hats and sun cream are a must but don’t forget well fitting shoes or sandals and check feet daily for sunburn or blisters.
  • Keep insulin away from direct sunlight, perhaps in a cool bag or fridge. Remember; ensure that it does not freeze.
  • Monitor blood sugars: a warm climate can cause blood sugars to drop and you may need less medication.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.

Cold climate -

  • Think about sun safety, faces can burn in cold climates!
  • Do not allow insulin to freeze.
  • Monitor blood sugars: a cold climate can cause blood sugars to rise and you may need more medication.
  • Take warm clothing – lots of thin layers rather than one thick one.

Most importantly of all –enjoy!!