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Type 2 Can Anyone Advise Re Holiday In Usa

Frenchie1730

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 2
I am about to go on holiday to USA for 3weeks and don’t know what to do about my insulin. Do I need a letter from my GP about all my medications? Am I able to take my sharps box for my needles? If not what do I do about them? I take insulin once a day first thing in the morning what do I do about the time difference? Any other advise you can give would be welcome.
 
A 3 week holiday - lucky you!

I take insulin all around the world. It must always be kept in hand luggage as the hold will get too cold.
I always take at least twice of everything I need including insulin, needles, lancets, test strips ... and don't forget a spare battery for your meter. If you use reusable insulin pens, take a spare one of them too.
A letter from your doctor is recommended. This is for the sharps as much as the insulin. I have been travelling with all that paraphernalia for 15 years (over 100 flights) and have only needed the letter once. However, I would much rather have the letter and not use it than to have to choose between leaving my insulin behind or not travelling.
I do not take a sharps box. Whilst I am away, I use a small drinks bottle and then decant it into the sharps box when I get home. This can go in the hold.

If you are going somewhere warm, you will need to think about keeping your insulin cool. You may have access to a fridge which is great. Alternatively, the most common solution is Frio pouches. I have had a couple of these for 15 years and use them every time I go away.

Regarding your insulin time, you have a couple of choices - continue to take it 24 hours apart or gradually move the time until it is convenient for the US. I adopt the second option: slow acting insulin usually lasts 22 to 26 hours so you can move the time a couple of hours each day without risking a major overlap. Moving it in one big step would either result in a long period of no background insulin or a long period of double dosage.
(I have read some suggesting half dosing to reduce the overlap but I have not felt comfortable with this).

My final two parts of advice are
1. make sure your diabetes is covered by your travel insurance
2. have an amazing time.
 
Hi. I agree with Helensaramay. Do get a surgery letter and also take your medication packaging with you and your recent prescription. I've never needed these but just in case. I always take a spare empty plastic vitamins pills tub etc to hold my holiday used needles and strips. Yes, ref timing just adjust it to a mid way point. Once a day insulin won't be that critical on timing. I also use Frio pouches to bridge the gap between fridges.
 
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