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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Always take note of Consulate or Embassy numbers they are very helpful too
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