Gap Year Worries...

[J1998L]

Hi, I'm coming up to the end of sixth form now and am considering the possibility of taking a gap year with my friend before starting university. As of yet (because I am less than a month diagnosed) I have not been away from home for an extended period of time...

My BIGGEST worry (currently it is the only thing stopping me from confirming my desire to take a gap year) is the potential difficulties that may arise from having to look after myself whilst away in countries that are less developed than the UK. Some of the countries that we are looking at include Ecuador, India and Uganda. How (im)practical would it be to stay safe whilst being away from home for up to two months at a time? How would I safely store my insulin? What if I lost it? Can I travel with needles/ insulin? Is travel insurance much greater now that I have diabetes? What would I do in the event of an emergency?

That post was a bit of a mess, I understand, but any help and advice from people who are more experienced than me would be HUGELY appreciated as I'd love to be able to start focusing more on the trip itself rather than the behind the scenes medical stuff.

 

[ewelina]

I travelled through Asia couple years ago and didnt have any problems. I don't know much about countries you mentioned, but its all about doing your research and deciding if its safe. There will always be some kind of risk, but it shouldn't stop you from enjoying your life. I travelled on my own and that was the biggest issue for me, while travelling with other people I wouldn't be that concerned. Research if you can have an access to the fridge and if there are any hospitals nearby. Avoid staying on isolated islands with a boat once a week or any other extremely remote areas. Insurance is not that much more expensive. I bought virgin I think and it was about £120 for 2 months. Send them a quote and see how its now. Travelling with insulin/needles was alright but you need a letter from your gp. Call your insulin producer and ask if they are available in the countries youre travelling to. Good luck and have a great time. Its definitely worth it

 

[azure]

If you're so newly diagnosed, I can understand your caution. What's your control like? Are you confident in adjusting your insulin? Diabetes shouldn't stop you doing anything - you just have to make sure you're extra-prepared

Could you, for example, take a short trip closer to home to see how it goes? You say you haven't been away from home for an extended period of time, so maybe that would give you a chance to see how it goes. Like a kind of practice run.

Don't skimp on travel insurance. You'll need to declare your diabetes. There are some threads on here where people recommend insurance companies.

If I was you, I'd do some research on the countries on your list so that you kniw, for example, what insulins are available in case yours was lost or stolen.

Think about where you're planning to stay in those countries (eg hotels, hostels, etc) and research what facilities would be available to you (eg fridges)

Travelling with needles and insulin is fine but you need a letter to show you need those items. Always take double what you've worked out you'll need.

 

[Okulu]

I've travelled extensively through South America (although not been to India or Uganda), and I've also travelled a lot in Eastern Europe...and I can honestly say that it was fine; T1 shouldn't stop you doing these things, but you just have to be a bit more organised! I totally understand that just being diagnosed may be a bit of a worry for you. So some generally advice I have (in addition to what's been said above which I won't repeat but agree with!):

- Don't worry about fridges: you can get 'Frio' packs (http://www.friouk.com/) which are little packs that come in all sorts of sizes and can be kept topped up with cold water to keep your insulin cool. It's hard to explain, so just look at the website. I never used fridges while I travelled, only these, and I never had a problem with the insulin warming up.

- Keep diabetic supplies in all bags in case anything is stolen (I doubt it will be, but it's best to prepare!). Certainly don''t put anything in your hold baggage on the flight (keep it all with you then).

- Take way more insulin/test strips/glucose tablets etc than you'll think you'll need. You'll find the climate and different activity levels change what your requirements, and you'll want to test more. Take loads and loads of glucose tablets for hypo treatment.

- I found the altitude in Ecuador/Boliva/Peru made me very insulin resistant for a few days until my body adapted to the altitude. I didn't go into DKA because I kept checking BG and injecting insulin, but I didn't feel well at all and I could easily have had DKA if I hadn't been so prudent. I'm saying this not to scare you at all, but just to make you aware that this might happen - as I wasn't aware it could (although you might be different). It might be good to speak to your diabetic team about how you would manage such a situation if you don't feel confident doing so, but it certainly shouldn't stop you going up to altitude (Bolivia is particularly beautiful!).

- If you're planning to go up to altitude/very hot climates/very cold climates, check whether your BG meter will work. At that time, I was using a Freestyle Lite meter but my team gave me another one (I can check if you like?) which I knew would work reliably at altitude.

- In terms of emergencies, do you have e-mail addresses for your diabetic team (and a phone number)?

- Have you been on a DAFNE course? Might be a good idea to try to get on one before you go if at all poss...

Hope that's helpful! As I said, this is totally doable, but you just have to think a bit more and be more organised!. Am more than happy to answer any more questions though...