DIABETES AND TRAVEL

Travelling and holidays should be planned in advance and advice sought from the diabetes team when necessary.

Using Insulin Abroad

  • Patients should find out what types and strengths of insulin are available in the area in which they will be travelling (refer to Diabetes UK or the relevant pharmaceutical company).
  • Insulins used in the UK and many other countries are of the strength U-100. In some countries insulin may come as U-40 or U-80 strengths. These insulins are not interchangeable. If they are to be used, the appropriate syringes are required.
  • Insulin should be kept out of direct sunlight and kept cool.
  • Insulin should never be allowed to freeze, therefore when travelling by air, insulin should always be carried in the hand luggage.
  • Insulin may be absorbed faster in warmer climates. Regular glucose monitoring is important, to allow any adjustments in dose to be made safely.

 

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Equipment: What should be taken

  • Twice as much insulin, syringes or pens, needles or tablets as will be needed.
  • If travelling with a companion, advise to split the amount between each passenger's hand luggage.
  • A cool bag for storing insulin.
  • Blood glucose monitoring equipment - along with adequate supplies of strips, lancets and a spare battery for the meter.
  • High altitude, heat and humidity can sometimes affect meters and test strips. Patients should be advised to beware of false readings.
  • Dextrose tablets, Hypostop, Glucagen injection and Ketostix if appropriate.
  • A diabetes identity card or jewellery.
  • Carbohydrate, in the hand luggage to cover any travelling delays.
  • Do not advise patients to order a special "Diabetic" meal on the plane, as these often contain very little carbohydrate. Instead, patients should be advised to carry extra carbohydrate in the form of sandwiches, fruit, cereal bars etc.
  • A letter, from either a GP or Hospital Diabetes Team, with a contact telephone number and address confirming the need to carry needles and syringes. Travel Letter is available in SCIDC Clinical Summary Pages
  • A basic first aid box.
  • A list of all current medicatioin - e.g. a copy of up to date repeat prescription request.

Vaccinations

Patients should be advised to find out what vaccinations are required for the proposed destination. Occasionally these can cause sickness or flu-like symptoms and it is best to have them performed 4-6 weeks prior to travelling.

 

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