Travel

When planning to travel you will need to consider the extra supplies that you may need and the timing of your trip. This is especially important if you are passing through different time zones. The following will be useful:

• Make sure you have medical travel insurance and that your diabetes is covered on this policy.
• If possible, be aware of local medical facilities.
• Check if special vaccinations are necessary - these are available through your GP.
• Check before you go that U100 insulin is available in the country you are visiting.

Always carry the following with you (these items will need to be carried in your hand luggage if flying):

• Adequate supplies of insulin and syringes or pen needles.
• A spare pen-injection device (if you use these).
• Blood testing equipment.
• Glucagon kit.
• Ketone testing strips.
• Safe clip (for safe disposal of needles).
• Rapid-acting carbohydrate.
• Medicine for minor illness, and for travel sickness if required.
• Identification (ie a card or jewellery identifying you as diabetic in the local language).
• Extra food in case of delays.

During travel, keep your insulin around room temperature or just below, but above freeing point. Please be aware that insulin can freeze if stored in the hold of an aircraft.

Give a small supply of insulin and a syringe/pen-injector to someone you are travelling with, in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

Different Time Zones
When travelling east to west your day will be lengthened. If there is a difference of several hours, you will probably eat at least one extra meal and this will require extra quick-acting insulin. Take your long-acting insulin at your destination as normal.

When travelling west to east your day will be shortened. Consider the time between doses of background insulin to avoid any excessive overlap.