Holiday advice.

Hi Jaxx,

First off - don't panic!

I was diagnosed in December and went on holiday at the end of January - so I was the same at the time (except not for a 2 year old).
1. Travel insurance was easy - just make sure you tell them of a pre-existing condition. I got covered at no extra cost.
2. I put my med supplies in a separate bag for travelling, and kept it with me on the plane so I didn't have to go through my bigger hand luggage to get things. That might help?
3. Do you have a fridge where you're going? If you're going somewhere hot, just be careful of the insulin not spoiling if it's too hot. I'm not sure of the temperatures required - but might be worth checking.
4. If there's a time difference, maybe try and work out which time you're working to and stick to it.
5. Don't worry about testing/injecting on the plane. It needs done and it's nobody elses issue but your and your boy!
6. Don't panic about it - you'll be totally fine. It'll be easier than you think.

Have a great time. Hopefully others will have some other advice for you - but it's all I can think of right now!

Jaxx13 said:

Hi

Am going on holiday with my little boy who is 2 years old type 1 diabetic.

Can anyone give me advice on holiday insurance?
Things I need?
Airport advice?

My 1st time but scared! Xxxx

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There are a number of insurance companies that do good deals for pre-existing conditions. If you have a search here you'll find a few threads about them.

It's also wise to take a doctor's letter saying your son has Type 1 and needs to carry insulin, sharps, etc with him. I also take my prescription sheet with me.

Take double the supplies you think you'll need, and pack some glucose tablets too.

Test lots and bear in mind that a change of temperature and routine can cause both lower and higher than normal sugars.

You may also want to look into getting something like. Frio wallet. I used mine to keep my insulin cool when travelling, and then put it in the fridge in my room when I arrived.

Ensure you have Drs letter re carrying insulin bottles I had no problem with disposable insulin pens eg nova rapid but bottles they scanned a few times. I had forgotten letter / prescription so my fault. Always find higher temps reduce my need for insulin so I tend to reduce by .5 for 10 units of carb (although your sons ratio doses would probably be less than mine which are 1.5 to 2 units for 10 CHO ) then increase if blood levels too high.

I am on holiday now @Jaxx13

All fine - frio wallet working a dream and apart from increased bgs - which I was expecting all is good!

The only difference I've noticed is that I am slightly quicker to drop if I go without eating for longer than normal (usually the point between lunch and a late dinner) so maybe consider that.

No one was interested in my diabetes "kit" at the airport although I do carry my travel letter, and considering the recent happenings in Brussels I can only imagine tighter scrutiny in general.

I also bought some travel sharps bins from amazon (and then forgot them!)

Another point would be that I seem to be far more susceptible to mozzie bites - locals tell me it's my sweet blood so would also bear that in mind.

Don't panic and enjoy! X

The hot sun will reduce his blood sugars so keep an eye on them and test regularly, if it's hot, the odd ice lolly will be good for him to bring his sugars up slightly.
I'd tend to aim for higher bloods during the day and more normal at nights, although a lot will depend on his activity during the day and his bedtime routine in the evening.
To sum it up,
keep a closer eye on his levels, don't lose track of time ( for meals and snacks ) , give him a little extra sweet ( if he's in the sun and running about or swimming ), make sure you've insurance and lastly take a camera take lots of pictures and have a great time

Hello,

When I go on holiday my sugars tend to go higher due to dehydration and adjusting to the hot weather.
I would definitely get a doctors note, not that they check very often but I have been asked about insulin before.
Also the insurance I used is called 'staysure' which I believe is specifically for medical insurance.

Do not put your insulin in your main suitcase! It freezes the insulin and it won't work properly, unfortunately this happened to my dad and could not work out why he felt so ill on holiday!
Take extra of everything and split it between people, just in case.

Also a frio wallet is very helpful to keep insulin cool in the hot weather, and I also have a mini sharps box that I take away with me (bought as a gift) but I have found it quite useful.

Most importantly enjoy!