Diabetes and travelling

Preparation is vital before any trip but even more so if you have diabetes.

Medications

You may need medication prescriptions from your doctor.

Carry your medication (insulin and/or tablets) in your hand luggage and in your travelling companion’s hand luggage. If you are travelling alone, keep the second set of medications in your stowed luggage.

Carry a letter from your doctor that says:

• you have diabetes;
• your medication requirements; and
• that you are carrying needles and syringes for injection of insulin for diabetes.

Traveller’s survival kit

Pack a traveller’s survival kit that contains the following.

1. Some form of sugar (for example, lollies such as jelly beans and soft drinks).
2. Carbohydrate snacks (for example, dried fruits, fresh fruits, biscuits, sandwich).
3. Blood testing equipment.
4. Basic first aid requirements.
5. Glucagon injection and quick-acting insulin (neutral, clear). (This is only for people with type 1 diabetes. Speak to your doctor for advice.)
6. Key contact details at home and at your destination.
7. Names and addresses of diabetes services available at your destination.
8. Phone numbers of your doctor and specialist in case you need to call them for advice.
9. Useful phrases in the language of your destination (e.g. 'I have diabetes, please give me some sugar or something to eat').
10. Some form of identification (medical alert bracelet, locket or a card saying that you have diabetes).

Insulin users

If travelling by air, contact your diabetes specialist or diabetes nurse for advice on how to manage your insulin dosage while flying.

Insulin storage

• Pack insulin in a polystyrene container to keep it cool.
• If travelling by air, wrap the container in clothing and place it in the centre of your suitcase.
• Insulin is not affected by airport baggage X-ray equipment.
• If travelling by car, do not leave insulin in the glove box, or in the boot of motorcars.
• Do not keep insulin in the outside pockets of backpacks.

Test frequently

Everyone should test more frequently than usual while travelling because a different food and exercise schedule may either markedly improve or worsen your diabetic control.

 

myDr, 2000. Reproduced with the kind permission of Diabetes Australia.
© Copyright: myDr, UBM Medica Australia, 2000-2010. All rights reserved.

Last Reviewed: 10 July 2003