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Holiday help!

Valaraki

Valaraki

Member
Messages
15
Location
South Lanarkshire, Scotland
Type of diabetes
Parent
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi everyone.
My son was diagnosed just a year ago with type 1.......we are going on holiday abroad at the end of June and are terrified at the though!!

Does anyone have any tips or advise please.
What do we take with us
Do we need to inform anyone of his diabetes?

Lots of questions but can't think of any just now, those above the main two that I am concerned about.
 
I'm also very newly diagnosed type 1 and travel very frequently.... I have done lots of readings and got a list ready but is there any random hints from people with experience?
 
There are a few threads about this exact subject. Do a quick search on the forums.
As a quick bullet point of my own experiences:
  • Take twice as much insulin and supplies as you expect you will need (this includes a spare meter. I had one die on a business trip once)
  • Do plenty of testing (more than usual) since your sugars will be different due to different food and activities
  • If you are not sure about keeping supplies cool take a look at Frio wallets.
  • Take a good supply of hypo supplies (I like Lucozade tablets)
  • Take a repeat prescription with you
  • If you have a DSN take their on call numbers
  • If going somewhere that they don't speak much English try and print yourself out a little card in the local language that says you are diabetic (google and microsoft translator services to a reasonable job)
  • If going someplace hot take special care to keep hydrated
  • And the MOST important thing: Relax, enjoy and have fun. BG running a little high while away is going to be ok as long as it is only a little and not very long.
 
I went to America a few months after being diagnosed and I was so concerned.... You need a letter from you GP saying you are diabetic and a prescription. I took two lots of supplies, one in my hand luggage and my friend had the other. On the flight it was put in the fridge (I know that I didn't need to do that now). Insulin is safe to use within 30 days of refrigeration unless it appears cloudy. I had a great time and everyone thought I was amazing coping so well. It's true, I am amazing, we all are xx
 
+1 for taking twice as much medication as normal and split evenly between hand luggage. A letter from Doctor would be good, I've never been asked for it at airports before but a good to have. Different climate, food and activities makes keeping a good steady BG difficult so don't get wound up about it - it is a holiday after all!

Have a good holiday!
 
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