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All alone in Greece..

Muggins

Muggins

Active Member
Messages
31
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
So I'm heading off to Greece in July with my friends, but its my first holiday on my own with diabetes. I've had diabetes for 10 years now and I'm still scared XD any advice??

Would really appreciate it, thanks! :D x
 
urbanracer said:
Hi @Muggins
There's some good basic advice here....
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/travel.html

Anything in particular worrying you?
Click to expand...
Thanks! I'll look into that :)
urbanracer said:
Hi @Muggins
There's some good basic advice here....
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/travel.html

Anything in particular worrying you?
Click to expand...
Thanks I'll look into that! :)
I'm just a little scared being alone if something goes wrong (even though i know what to do) because my friends have no idea
 
If you are on MDI my number one tip is to take lots more needles than you think you will need. I find that every time I go away I end up injecting more often (e.g. if indulging in more food and needing to correct, BG reaction to time differences/the heat etc.). I was caught short on my first trip - luckily a pharmacy had my exact needles available but they were very expensive!

Also worth taking a prescription with you for airport security purposes. Some people suggest a doctor's letter as well. I've travelled through airports maybe 20 times since diagnosis and haven't once been asked for my prescription or any other such proof, but better to be safe than sorry I guess.

The Frio bags are great for keeping your insulin cool during transit or when out at the beach etc.
 
pinewood said:
If you are on MDI my number one tip is to take lots more needles than you think you will need. I find that every time I go away I end up injecting more often (e.g. if indulging in more food and needing to correct, BG reaction to time differences/the heat etc.). I was caught short on my first trip - luckily a pharmacy had my exact needles available but they were very expensive!
Click to expand...
Brilliant plan, thanks for the tip! :)
 
Take spare everything , including jelly babies :) And keep your insulin with you in your hand luggage.

Signy
 
Muggins said:
So I'm heading off to Greece in July with my friends, but its my first holiday on my own with diabetes. I've had diabetes for 10 years now and I'm still scared XD any advice??

Would really appreciate it, thanks! :D x
Click to expand...


Just to enjoy the weather, and take your kit with you. At the end of the day it's Europe, nothing too much can go wrong :)
 
If you get into trouble get your hotel to recommend an English speaking pharmacist. There is usually one not too far away.
 
I write down a few key phrases in the native language of the country I am going to - and tell my hubby to point to the relevant one if I ever really got into trouble and he had difficulty being understood eg she is diabetic and needs glucose urgently. I've never needed the phrases, and just come back from my 11th transatlantic trip! But it's a comfort to know they're there if you needed them.

Also check if your insulin is available and if it is sold under the same name. The manufacturers are really helpful, just give them a call.

I'm sensitive to insulin, and find that I need to drop my basal due to the heat. Might be worth considering for the first couple of days and see how you go.

Above all, relax, have fun and enjoy the sun!
 
Have a great time and forget for a moment but obviously be sensible I dread going abroad
 
Greek pharmacist are very highly trained and sell drugs only available here on prescription. Knowing a few important phrases will help big time. I can help you with that if you pm.
As for food, if you are carnivorous, no problem, lots of meat in Greece and they don't add pastry to it. Greek salad is also low in carbs, as is baked feta (omg) the thought.

Kalo taxidi
 
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