Longer trips and gap years
Most of the advice that applies to going on a two-week summer holiday applies to longer vacations, but there are a few extra things to think about.
Tip 1
It may be impractical to carry enough kit for a year, so work out where you will be able to replenish supplies. Try contacting your insulin manufacturer to find out where they supply your insulin. If they are not available, have a word with your diabetes team about alternatives.
Tip 2
If you’re taking a longer trip, ask your diabetes team for a ketone meter and test strips in case these aren’t available in some of the places you are visiting.
Tip 3
Perhaps make a note of the local hospitals for each destination and whether they have any experience treating Type 1 diabetes. You could take copies of your prescriptions and sick day rules etc., translated into the language native to the area you are travelling to.
Tip 4
If you’re travelling with friends, make sure at least one of them knows where your documents are and what to do in case of an emergency.
Tip 5
If you are moving around from place to place, check you know where everything is each time you pack to avoid leaving things behind!
Tip 6
Your diabetes team at home are likely to be willing to offer advice, even from the other side of the world. Keep their email address or phone number handy as a bit of reassurance is sometimes all it takes.
Extra tip
If you’re taking a longer trip, you may be required to have vaccinations! There is no reason that people with Type 1 diabetes can’t have any of the travel vaccinations – they are highly recommended to prevent illness whilst away. Get your vaccinations as far as possible in advance so that if they do make you feel a bit rough, you’ll be over the worst before your trip. The same goes for malaria tablets – there is no reason people with diabetes can’t have them but if they do make you feel a bit unwell, keep a close eye on what effect they have on your glucose levels.
Things on holiday that might cause a hypo:
-> High temperatures
-> Extreme low temperatures
-> Exercise, such as winter sports like skiing, hiking or swimming
-> Drinking alcohol. Though some drinks such as cocktails contain lots of sugar and can raise glucose levels, beware of the risk of delayed overnight/morning hypos especially if you are also late out at night clubs etc.
-> Be prepared, have ID and close friends who know your needs. Be able to check your glucose levels and have hypo treatment easily available.
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Will take information onboard.
Very helpful
Always good to know especially when travelling for longer. This was helpful
Always take note of Consulate or Embassy numbers they are very helpful too
That’s a great tip, thank you :-))
would never be away that long
Not planning for a gab year or longer trip, I have been away for 1 month to Australia and got all the advice I needed from my diabetes team, most time I will probably be away now is 2 weeks.
All helpful information