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Type 1 Novarapid and Lantus - names and strengths in Spain

4mum_

Well-Known Member
Messages
125
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi
My DSN said I should find out the spanish names and strengths of my Novarapid and Lantus. Im going away in a few weeks and I was only diagnosed t1 8 weeks ago at 55. Many thanks
 
Hi,

How long are you away for?
Someone feel free to slap me if I'm wrong. The respective insulin brand names are the same in different countries?
Only the instructions & box packaging are translated to the relevant language..
 
Jaylee said:
Hi,

How long are you away for?
Someone feel free to slap me if I'm wrong. The respective insulin brand names are the same in different countries?
Only the instructions & box packaging are translated to the relevant language..
Click to expand...
Only for the standard 2 weeks. I think I've worked out how much I need to take but she told me to find out. So if I took the leaflet from the box with me that might help?
 
4mum_ said:
Only for the standard 2 weeks. I think I've worked out how much I need to take but she told me to find out. So if I took the leaflet from the box with me that might help?
Click to expand...

Ah, OK.
Use the box as well..?
Are you using reusable pens? It's always advisable to take a spare of everything in the hand luggage. Don't put anything in the "hold" of the plane.
 
Do you have a letter from the hospital/doctor stating that you have diabetes and must take sharp objects on the plane?
This is not needed every time but it is difficult to predict when it will be needed so I thoroughly recommend getting one just in case.

Another thing to consider is making sure you keep your insulin cool. Any "spare" insulin could stay in your hotel room and, if you have one, fridge. However, when you are out, you need to ensure the insulin does not get too hot as it will stop working/become less effective. You could just keep it insulated in your bag amongst clothes. I always use a Frio wallet (see Frio.co.uk). They are not cheap but I have had mine for over 10 years and use it for 4 or 5 weeks a year on some pretty rugged holidays and it is still going very strong.
 
I do have a letter from my DSN. I have bought a large and a duo frio wallet. We are going to a villa so will have a fridge. As for the boxes, I can take them but was going to travel using the wallets - is that not the right thing to do? Ive worked out taking double would equate to 3 Novarapid and 2 Lantus so my plan was them in the large frio but for my current pens, one of each in the duo wallet - that should be more that ample
I'm on 18 NR and 15 L a day. As I'm fairly newly diagnosed I'm on set units for meals and evening but I've been told how to dial up or down 1 unit dependant on my meter reading.
 
Hi @4mum_ Seems you've got most bases covered by information above.
Maybe one thing to consider is how you or any one in your party would manage to translate that you're a English speaking T1 diabetic having a hypo into Spanish.
Hopefully a situation that wouldn't arise, but a hypo is very similar to being extremely intoxicated. You could see how that scenario could develop especially if you're unable to translate your condition.
Hope you have a great holiday.
 
That's a thought. I'll see if the Spanish teacher where I work will translate something for me so I have something written down. Thank you.
 
I'm not Spanish but Dutch, and have had pens with Czech writing on them before. Novorapid is one of those insulins that has the same name everywhere. (Found a forum where people talk about acquiring it and they just refer to it as Novorapid: http://www.estudiabetes.org/foro/t/precio-de-las-insulinas/9796 )

I'm assuming Lantus is the same. I haven't found any differences in the names between different non-English countries other than the pronunciation. (For example, in Dutch it's pronounced "Novo-rah-PEED" instead of the English way) You should be fine.

I found some more info here: http://www.diabetesinspain.com/resources/frequently-asked-questions
 
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