Travelling while Diabetic

I know the title of this blog post sounds like travelling with this condition is some form of crime but, with all the extra security checks you have to go through at the airport you tend to feel like one at times. (Depending on which airport you fly from: the airport staff and their awareness and understanding of diabetes)

One thing as a diabetic you should not do, is let this condition hinder you from exploring the world and all its glory it has to show us.

I will provide tips and insight into what I do when I am travelling abroad.

First things first… INSURANCE

So you’ve just booked your holiday and you’re ready to start shopping, the countdown calendar has been set!

Before you get too distracted, make sure you have travel insurance, most importantly one that covers your condition. The most frustrating thing about this is how expensive it is to actually get covered, even if you don’t smoke or haven’t been in hospital for your condition you still get penalised with extortionate rates all because you have an incompetent pancreas. These policies increase their cost every year might I add.

(if anyone knows of any reasonably priced travel insurance for Diabetics message me on the social media links below)

Proving you have Diabetes?!

I guess the bruises and lumps from injection/pump sites and the black pot marks on fingertips from checking you sugar isn’t enough evidence that you have Diabetes.

It’s always good to carry a Doctors letter (could be from your Consultant or GP or even your Diabetes Nurse) stating that you have Diabetes and what medication is imperative for you to take on your travels. They can also provide you with helpful leaflet guides about travelling and emergency contact details which is very useful especially if you have just been recently diagnosed with Diabetes.

I also have an “NHS Passport” that states information about my condition and emergency contact details which I carry in my purse at all times alongside my NHS Medical Exemption card. Those of you that have an iPhone you can also add this information on there under the ‘Medical ID’ section.

The medication I usually travel with (e.g. insulin vials and blood testing strips) have a sticky label which contains my personal details and so proves that the medication is prescribed to me.

Packing

So, you’ve now packed all your holiday clothes, the most important items that you must ensure is in the suitcase is your medication!

I usually put my main medication in my hand luggage and then all the spares that I’ll need throughout the holiday spread around my suitcase. I have created a table below of what I usually take away with me. You can also use it as a checklist guide for packing.

I work out how much medication to take by calculating how many days I’ll be away for then how often I will need or be using said medication, then just double it so I’d have spare.

However, with things like pods for my insulin pump where I’d be at risk of it coming detached easier in the heat I’d pack 2 boxes of them which is around 12 in total for a holiday which usually lasts 7-10 days.

Even though I am on an insulin pump I would still bring with me the insulin I would be using if I was on injections. So Novarapid would be my main insulin for my boluses at meals but I would still need the right insulin which covers my Basal (background insulin) so I’d bring Glargine (which comes in a prefilled Solarstar pen) which I would take at night so there’d be no detriment to me if my pump was to fail.

Airport

All packed and the day has finally come for you to jet off, before you prematurely spend all your holiday money in Duty Free you have to tackle airport security. This is the part which gives me so much anxiety knowing that I am travelling with sharp needles that the sign clear marks is forbidden and fearing that your medication that’s going to save your life could be confiscated.

It really depends on the mood of the security on the day whether they’re calm and understanding of your condition or are rude, ignorant and like to rush you as you unpack your hand luggage onto the conveyor belt.

I do try and remain calm and confident during this process, and I let them know that I am carrying medication in my hand luggage, they usually like to test insulin vials/cartridges and glucoshots (although not medically prescribed the purpose I use them for is to treat hypos)

It’s also best to make them aware if you have an insulin pump or CGM before going through the metal detectors. They usually like to swab your insulin pump too. Check with your Consultant if your insulin pump can go through the metal detectors as you don’t want this interfering with your settings.

Arrival

You’ve arrived at your destination, first things first make sure you change the time on all your devices e.g. blood sugar machine and insulin pump or CGM to match the time zone that you’re in.

Also when I go out for the day I usually take spare medical supplies with me but a reasonable amount so that I am not over packed.

For example:

• Insulin pods x2

• Insulin pump syringe x1

• GlucoJuice x2

• Insulin x1 vial

• Blood glucose monitor with 1 packet of strips in the case

Lastly and most importantly, relax and enjoy your holiday! Do not let your diabetes be a hinderance, you can still enjoy life and explore.

I hope this post was useful! If there is anything I’ve missed and you want me to add on another post or you have any questions or tips of your own, please message me on the links to my social media below!

khadija mary xo