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Insulin User identity cards

L

leoncat

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi. How do I avail of Insulin User identity card?
 
leoncat said:
Hi. How do I avail of Insulin User identity card?
Click to expand...
What is an insulin user identity card and why do you want one?
I was diagnosed with Type 1 nearly 20 years ago so been using insulin all that time and never come across an insulin user identity card.
 
Is this like an insulin passport? I think they come in the packaging of one thing or other, can’t remember but remember a DSN telling me to fill it out and carry it with me “once upon a time”
 
In Response said:
What is an insulin user identity card and why do you want one?
I was diagnosed with Type 1 nearly 20 years ago so been using insulin all that time and never come across an insulin user identity card
Click to expand...

In Response said:
What is an insulin user identity card and why do you want one?
I was diagnosed with Type 1 nearly 20 years ago so been using insulin all that time and never come across an insulin user identity card.
Click to expand...
My wife and I are traveling abroad and I found this info from this website: "However, it is worth checking the airline policy before you travel and phoning them up to make sure if you are concerned. Insulin User identity cards are available from Diabetes UK and independent companies."
 
Fenn said:
Is this like an insulin passport? I think they come in the packaging of one thing or other, can’t remember but remember a DSN telling me to fill it out and carry it with me “once upon a time”
Click to expand...
Yes, I think so. It is advised to have one especially when travelling. I can't find the page on this website how to apply. Can someone help please?
 
I have flown hundreds of times all around the world with my insulin with no problems.
I have a letter from my consultant explaining I need to carry insulin and sharp items but have only needed to show this twice. I know many people don’t bother nowadays but I prefer to have it for insurance. It lives with my passport so I never forget it.
I have also never informed the airline (or airport security) unless explicitly asked about sharp items. My personal health is personal and I would rather not share it with a stranger unless absolutely necessary.
I am never rude about it but nine times out of ten, it makes no difference so why share.

As long as all my medication is carried in hand luggage and I have at least twice as much as I expect to need, I travel with confidence.
I think the only additional tip I would pass on from personal experience is to keep hypo treatment at your seat. Realising I was having a hypo whilst taking off and my dextrose was in the overhead locker was not good.
 
This is Diabetes.co.uk a different organisation to Diabetes uk. Here’s a link to their products:

Welcome to the Official Diabetes UK Shop

Buy your diabetes essentials, accessories, books, gifts and branded products from Diabetes UK Online shop. Your support will help us to change the future for people with diabetes.
shop.diabetes.org.uk
 
This is very useful information and suggestion, thank you very much - I really appreciate it. I was diagnosed only last year and this is my first time traveling with this diagnosis. I won't bother getting an ID then.
 
When flying I have a letter from my DSN nurse. And when out and about I have a small card in a pocket on my phone stating I'm insulin dependent diabetic with my ICE phone number, and I also have a wristband stating 'insulin dependent diabetic' that I wear when out and about on my bike.
 
In my 23 years travelling as a T1 I've only been asked once to produce a reason for carrying sharps, insulin, pump etc etc. All I had on me was a repeat prescription print out which satisfied them.
 
Not sure where you’re going but when entering the US or Canada I’m usually asked if I’m carrying any prescription medication. The next question is always “ is it labelled with your name and in its original container”. I have also been told by the border agents that it is sufficient to reply with “ I have a photo of the original packaging and label with me” which is what I often have when I’m trying to compact my carry luggage into smaller containers. Most of all, as previously mentioned, always have hypo treatment within arms length on your flight and enjoy your trip; travelling with diabetes turned out to be much less stressful than I had anticipated.
 
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