Ensure that you obtain a letter from your GP or diabetes team, stating that you have diabetes and require your medication to be taken on board flights. Carry your hypo treatment.
Having diabetes does not prevent travelling by aeroplane, boat or car. You can travel anywhere in the world whenever you want to go. However winter ski holidays, short breaks, long haul flights and exotic summer holidays all need to be planned carefully if you have diabetes. Having diabetes means that you will have to make extra preparation before you jet away. This section gives you advice on the preparations you should make and what you should do, what to avoid and how to store your insulin whilst on holiday.
VACCINATIONS
You should have the necessary vaccinations required for your destination, it is best to have these as early as possible before you go as they may upset your diabetes control for a short time. Ask your travel agent, GP or diabetes team for advice.
AEROPLANE MEALS
Some airlines offer “special diabetic meals” It is actually better to AVOID them because they can be low in carbohydrate- caterers often don’t realise that balance is the main thing not cutting down on carbohydrate. You can read more about balanced eating and eating out Don’t put insulin with in your checked in luggage as the aeroplane hold temperature can get very low and may damage it
INSURANCE
Does your health insurance cover diabetes emergencies?
Insurance is vital when travelling aboard to cover medical services and equipment. Medical attention is officially free or reduced cost emergency treatment is available in all EU countries providing that you have got your E111 certificate (available from your Post Office or DSS office or any GP) before you go to prove you’re eligible for treatment. However treatment under this scheme may not be adequate for your diabetes. A holiday insurance package that does not exclude pre existing illness should be obtained. Check with your travel agent and insurance company.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Due to recent increases in airport security, you are no longer allowed to carry sharp objects such as knives or scissors in your hand luggage. It is important that you have identification or a letter from your diabetes team or GP confirming your diabetes as you will need to let check in staff know in order for you to carry needles and syringes in your hand luggage.
DELAYS
Have extra carbohydrate snacks at hand if you need them or in case of delays. Airline meals often have a reduced amount of carbohydrate. Make sure you have your hypo treatment at hand.
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE
You are not required by law to declare your insulin or other equipment. To prevent unnecessary confusion it is a good idea to carry an ID card that states that you have diabetes and what treatments you are on. For some counties you will also need a letter from you diabetes team or GP as an ID card/tag is not always sufficient.
TRAVELLING TO A WARM/COLD CLIMATE
Consider the climate you are travelling to. A very hot or old climate may affect the accuracy of your blood glucose strips (if using)
If you are travelling to a warmer climate you should:
Monitor your blood glucose levels. A warm climate can lower blood sugar and you may need to reduce your insulin/tablets.
Insulin may be absorbed faster in warmer climates so regular monitoring is especially important. in order to avoid hypoglycaemia.
Some blood glucose testing strips may over read in very hot weather
Invest in a good cool bag to keep your insulin cool out of direct sunlight
If you are travelling to a cooler climate you should:
not let your Insulin freeze, as insulin that has been frozen is useless (aeroplane luggage area)
Some blood glucose strips will under read in cold weather
MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION
You may need to adjust your insulin/ tablets, as your lifestyle will change, you may be doing more activities, changing your food and alcohol intake as well as the climate. You will find that this will affect your blood sugars and you may need to adjust your treatment particularly if you are on insulin. Please ask your Diabetes Team if you need help with the adjustment of medication.
