Hi all, after having had type 1 diabetes for almost 12 years now I have finally decided to join this website (thus, I apologise if I have placed this query in the wrong thread etc).. I have had a burning question for yearsss now. I have seen a lot of questions about moving abroad with type 1, but the vast majority of these are focused on those using insulin pens.
Background: One of my only dreams in life has been to move abroad, yet having type 1 diabetes has made it feel impossible at times. I am a recent university graduate, and seeing lots of my friends being able to move somewhere else without a second thought has made me extremely envious and is further making me see the doom and gloom of my own existence.
I did live in Spain as part of my degree for a year, but I cannot emphasise enough the stress I went through in getting enough diabetes supplies for a year... one that was supposed to be fun and educational overall, not one that made me question whether I would perish.
Anyway, long story short: has anybody managed to move abroad permanently on an insulin pump (and preferably a CGM/ libre sensor too, since I use the latter)? How did you go about it? If somebody has an experience with the Spanish system that would be even better.
My main concern is that if I do not move abroad with a company that offers me private healthcare... would the public healthcare system allow me to continue with my insulin pump and sensor? I guess I could move back to insulin pens but I have been using a pump for more years than pens now and I am afraid my hba1c will fare worse... I am afraid of the mental stress this may cause.
Any examples of moving anywhere in the world with an insulin pump (long-term, so say over a year) would be very much appreciated! I am aware that each country will handle this situation differently.. which is partly why it is so overwhelming and confusing.
Thank you.
Background: One of my only dreams in life has been to move abroad, yet having type 1 diabetes has made it feel impossible at times. I am a recent university graduate, and seeing lots of my friends being able to move somewhere else without a second thought has made me extremely envious and is further making me see the doom and gloom of my own existence.
I did live in Spain as part of my degree for a year, but I cannot emphasise enough the stress I went through in getting enough diabetes supplies for a year... one that was supposed to be fun and educational overall, not one that made me question whether I would perish.
Anyway, long story short: has anybody managed to move abroad permanently on an insulin pump (and preferably a CGM/ libre sensor too, since I use the latter)? How did you go about it? If somebody has an experience with the Spanish system that would be even better.
My main concern is that if I do not move abroad with a company that offers me private healthcare... would the public healthcare system allow me to continue with my insulin pump and sensor? I guess I could move back to insulin pens but I have been using a pump for more years than pens now and I am afraid my hba1c will fare worse... I am afraid of the mental stress this may cause.
Any examples of moving anywhere in the world with an insulin pump (long-term, so say over a year) would be very much appreciated! I am aware that each country will handle this situation differently.. which is partly why it is so overwhelming and confusing.
Thank you.
