All liquids in a clear plastic bag.
Don't worry if you end up with two bags as you can have one for medication.
If you have a pump it is likely you will be asked "what is this" and chosen for a pat down.
Just point out you have an insulin pump before they start, most people know about them now.
They may ask you to hold it in your hand as conduct the pat down.
They may also swab it.
Don't worry this is all normal.
Do not take your pump off, you do not need to.
!!Do not put your pump through x-ray!!
Your bag may be pulled aside and you might be asked to show letter proving you are able to carry the medication, this is what your doctors and prescription is for.
You are allowed to travel with all diabetic supplies.
Make sure you still eat.
Keep an eye on blood sugars.
On the plane don't get the diabetic meal.
Rest times on your pump.
Beware of timezone changes.
Whether you are thinking of going to Cornwall for a weekend, Portugal for a week, or travel around Africa for a couple of months, there is a bit of planning that is required to make sure things run as smoothly as possible.
Don't let your diabetes stop you from exploring and experiencing other lands and cultures.
Planning ahead
Questions To Ask Yourself Before...
There is a bit of planning that needs to be done before you go away on holiday.
Think about where you're going and the type of holiday that you are going on, and what you are going to be doing on holiday.
How long are you going for, and how many supplies will you need?
Are you flying, do you need a doctor's letter?
Refernces: The information on this page has been adapted from the following scources.
Diabetestravel.org. [Internet]. 2015 [cited 15 September 2015]. Available from: http://www.diabetestravel.org/
Diabetes.org.uk. Holidays - Diabetes UK [Internet]. 2015 [cited 15 September 2015]. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Teens/Me-and-my-diabetes/Living-my-life/Holidays/
Diabetes.co.uk. Diabetes and Travel [Internet]. 2015 [cited 15 September 2015]. Available from: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/travel.html
Is there somewhere to store you insulin once there?
How are you going to store your insulin on the travel?
Have you got plenty of supplies? 2 times more than you need.
What type of holiday are you going on? Sunbathing, activity, cold.
Do you need letters for the airport off your doctor?
Do the people you are traveling with know about your diabetes and what to do?
Have you got travel insurance?
If flying, can you split your supplies between suitcases?
Have you got your diabetic ID bracelet?
Have you got a list of current medications?
Spare food incase of delays?
Checked if you are crossing any time zones and how many?
Have you packed sick day rules?
How long are you going for?
How are you getting there? Flying, driving?
PAcking Checklist...
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Insulin (all types you use)
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Pens
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Needles for pens
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Blood glucose meter
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Test strips for meter
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Lancets for meter
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Batteries for meter
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Charger for meter
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Cooling bag (Frio bag)
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Hypo kit (enough for the holiday)
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Ketone sticks
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Spare food
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Sick day rules
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Medic alert ID
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Letter from doctor
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List of medications (prescription)
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Pump
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Spare pump (loan off company)
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Batteries
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Reservoir
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Infusion sets
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Insulin
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Other medications
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ICE numbers in phone
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Insurance details
Things To Think About...
If you are off to a hot country then consider that your insulin will be absorbed quicker, so check you blood sugars more often.
Insulin is not allowed to freeze, so keep it in your hand luggage when flying.
Always have enough supplies on you so that you can treat hypos, treat a high, change a giving set or battery.
Take twice as many supplies, and if you can split this between you and another person, so if your bag is lost or stolen you still have plenty of supply.
When storing insulin and testing strips in hot and cold countries be aware to keep it out of direct sunlight and don't let it freeze.
Hot countries may cause you to sweat more and if you have a pump this may cause your giving sets to come loose, take plenty of plasters, or consider changing it more regularly
Travel day
Flying...
Check your packing list and that you have everything.
Check again.
And check again.
When you are leaving the door double check you have your insulin out of the fridge!!
Do plenty of blood glucose readings.
Don't be worried about flying whether it is with a pump or pens.
Try and split your supplies between to cases.
Insulin, blood glucose monitor and strips can not go in the hold must be in hand luggage.
Have enough hypo supplies and food in hand luggage.
Security...
After Security...
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Going On Holiday
