Jen86 said:
Hi all
My father has type 1 diabetes. I don't know a great amount of in-depth knowledge about his case. What I need help with is I dream of getting married in the Caribbean. I want to know if my dad would be able to travel this far and whether he would be allowed the injections required before leaving the uk for a foreign country. Can anyone guide me on this? I wanted to check it out before beginning planning my big day. Thanks
P.s when I say type 1 he takes medication not dependent on insulin injections.
Hi,
You post seems to have been missed so i thought i'd give a few tips on travelling with diabetes and hopefully others can add more advice for you
Regarding insulin; Make sure wherever he stays has a fridge so he is able to keep his insulin cool, if this is unavailable then you can get pockets that you run under water and will keep cool for hours. Google 'frio insulin packs' and it should pop up.
Insulin must also NOT be in cargo areas on areoplanes, as the temp can fluctuate it's nessecary that it is kept in the hand luggage as too high or too low temps can affect the potency or insulin or even destroy it.
....
Needles; You will need a letter from either your GP (they may charge you for this) or your diabetes specialist (usually for free) to show when you go through airport security that you have diabetes and must carry sharps and insulin in your hand luggage. I have never had any problems using a letter and most dont ask to see it.
....
General;
When travelling always take much more medication and supplies than you will need for the duration of your stay.
Where possible try and split your supplies between two people, yourself and a family member for example, this is so if you hand luggage goes missing you still have supplies with you.
Take a list of your medications with you (full names) so if you require more you can take this to a local pharmacy.
Be aware that abroad the potency of insulin can vary, which means the insulin can be stronger or weaker per unit so you could end up getting less or too much insulin if you get it abroad.
Before you travel obviously insurance is a absolute must and double check the insurer will definate insure you if an incident happens that is directly diabetes related. Some will insure you even though you have diabetes but in the fine print you may not actually be covered. Shocking i know but true.
Before you go make sure you know where the local hospital is and where a pharmacy as well as emergency doctors etc.
Thats all i can think of right now, hopefully someone can fill in other bits and offer more in depth if you need be.
The only reason i can think of for not travelling is if he has eye problems as sometimes flying can aggrevate these, if this may be the case seek advice for a medical professional.
Hope you get your dream wedding! sounds like it would be amazing!
