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Going abroad

R

RaymondJ

Member
Messages
13
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hey there.

Sometime next year I'm going to Spain or Turkey with my friend and his family.

How would I get his parents 'diabetes trained'?
They have a different surname so how would that affect me at security
Should I get any medical ids and what do people recommend to keep my insulin cold for the 10 days

Thanks
 
Hi @RaymondJ, I would suggest you first search for threads on Travel via the search box R top corner of this forum page. The posts in these threads will provide you with a wealth of information. You can then ask more specific questions.
In regard to insulin, the pamphlet with each batch of insulin will have words to the effect that for longterm storage of insulin it should be kept at a temperature of between 2 and 8 degrees C, that is NOT letting it freeze which can deactivate it.
For insulin being used every day it is active provided it is kept below 30 degrees C for up to 28 days.
 
I assume that your friends parents know your diabetic?

If so just chat to them, what do you want them to know?

Keeping insulin cool? You can get Frio Bags which are basically cool bags that many on here use.

I would also get a letter from you Doctors to explain that you are Diabetic which is why you are carrying stuff with you on the aircraft.

As for different names, not sure about that but as you will be on the boarding pass and so long as your passport/ID matches up then I do not think it will be a problem, it would be the same as me and the other half traveling before we were married, different names not an issue.

Enjoy yourself when you go.
 
Sorry to start my reply with questions but ...
- how old are you?
- what do you mean by "diabetes trained"? What do you expect from your friend and their family?

I can answer a couple of your questions
- I travel all the time with people with different surnames and have no trouble at security ... or anywhere else. I always carry my own diabetes equipment so there is no question about other people carrying unauthorised sharps.
- I assume you expect the temperature to get quite warm. If so, I always carry my insulin in Frio pouches (https://friouk.com/)

Take a look at https://www.diabetes.co.uk/travel.html for information about travel.
 
I have been to Turkey for the past 3 years. Never had a problem in customs. I take a copy of my prescription with me for my meds. A Dr will charge you for a letter, so I would ask your DSN for a letter, they usually do it free of charge.
Would defo be looking at a Frio bag for your insulin. I had a problem with the fridge in my room this year and it semi froze my insulin, Luckily it was ok and my bloods were pretty good over the 2 weeks.
How old are you? I take it you are in pretty good control of your diabetes? I assume your friends family are aware of your diabetes? Would definitely sit down and explain what to look for in highs and lows in your bloods and what to do when the need arises.
 
Annoying that GPs charge for letter - a hospital consultant probably would not.
I guess that you know to take insulin etc in hand luggage cos it will go off in the cold of the hold.
Have a good holiday. :)
 
RaymondJ said:
Hey there.

Sometime next year I'm going to Spain or Turkey with my friend and his family.

How would I get his parents 'diabetes trained'?
They have a different surname so how would that affect me at security
Should I get any medical ids and what do people recommend to keep my insulin cold for the 10 days

Thanks
Click to expand...

Raymond, could you share with us how old you are, please? If you are under 18, there could be some additional hoops to jump.
 
I am 14 but will be 15 when I go abroad. I'm quite well controlled but it'll b e my first time abroad
My friends parents are aware that I'm diabetic too
 
RaymondJ said:
I am 14 but will be 15 when I go abroad. I'm quite well controlled but it'll b e my first time abroad
My friends parents are aware that I'm diabetic too
Click to expand...

Thanks for clarifying. I asked because as a minor (not an adult), there are likely to be other steps your parents and your friend's parents will need to take.

I can't advise you what they are, but minors travelling outside their own family unit are a matter of some scrutiny for Immigration control, due to some concerns for minors being kidnapped/child trafficking, and so on. I'm not suggesting for an instant this is in any way applicable to you or your friends, but Immigration don't know that.

When I used to pick up my niece from a flight she had made alone (from home, back to boarding school, near me) it was all a bit of a performance, involving pre-planning.

This is something for your and your friends' parents to look into.

If you have concerns for your friends parents, relating to your diabetes, then with the time available, your DSN could possible help with that.

I hope you have a fab holiday!
 
You MUST ensure the UAM (unaccompanied minors) regulations specifc to the airline suit your needs ... and they can be strict, even at 15
 
Hi Raymond,

I work with foreign 11-17 year olds who come to the uk to learn English. ☺️ And some are T1! So I would recommend you:
- Check they know you’re diabetic
- Give them a rundown on hypos (how you act, how they can help, at what stage to call medics)
- your consultant/ nurse will probably have some leaflets to help you do this
- Get a doctor letter saying that you can carry insulin and needles
-Get a European healthcard AND insurance
- Check flight itinerary and think about food on the way to the airport- in it- on the flight- and on the other side (a lot of Turkey summer flights land later in the evenings)
- buy a frio wallet (they’re £15ish and last ages)
-Pack whatever hypo treatment you use (1 for room, 1 for outdoor bag)
- check with your airline for info but you’ll probably need your parents to do some paperwork (consent form); unaccompanied minors can be a paid for service but you will be accompanied, your parents just need to confirm who’s doing the accompaniment.

I went to Turkey last year and ended up buying insulin in a pharmacy (5 pens for £30) so if something terrible happened to your insulin/ pump it would be ok (worst case scenario back up plan!)

Oooh! And make sure you take extras of all your kit (I put half my needles in my suitcase and half in my hand luggage, so if anything happens to either I’m ok).

Planning a trip can be a lot of fun and you’ve lots of time so get excited! Just fill in any diabetic blanks before you go.
 
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