TRAVEL. well as these emergencies, so it s a good idea to check your policy with your insurer before you go.

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1 Having diabetes shouldn t affect you when you travel if you plan ahead. Speak to your diabetes team at least 2 weeks before you go away. Also check you have appropriate insurance. Some travel insurance policies don t cover diabetic emergencies. Your policy must include preexisting medical conditions as well as these emergencies, so it s a good idea to check your policy with your insurer before you go. TRAVEL

2 Planning ahead If you plan your trip well, you will be able to enjoy your holiday without any problems. Your diabetes team is there to help you. Find out about your destination If you re on insulin, check what insulin will be available in the country you re visiting - the names and strengths of insulins can vary; Diabetes UK and the manufacturer of your insulin will be able to supply information on request Check if you need to have vaccinations to go to your destination - vaccinations can temporarily affect your diabetes and you may need to adjust your medication Although English is understood in many foreign countries, learn a phrase that will get you help if you need it Identification It s important that you wear or carry something that says you have diabetes in case you are ill abroad or if you are questioned when passing through Customs. If you take insulin, it s advisable to declare your needles, syringes or pens and monitoring devices when passing through Customs. It s also a good idea to take a letter from your diabetes team that explains the types of insulin and the devices that you use.

3 The journey planning It s important to plan for the journey as well as for your destination. For example, think about the food that will be available to you when you re travelling. Would you want a diabetic meal on the plane or boat or do you need to pack extra snacks? Also, because your routine is changed when you travel, it s a good idea to test your blood more often than usual. Remember to keep your testing equipment somewhere that s easy to get to. If you cross time zones, keep your injections and meals to your own watch times. Change your watch on arrival and when you arrive back home. Also remember that if you travel west, the day is longer, so you may need more food and insulin/tablets. If you travel east, the day is shorter, so you may need less food and insulin/tablets. Medication and food Take adequate supplies of your medication for the journey, and allow for delays. Also make sure you have enough carbohydrate to last if you get delayed. If necessary, divide insulin up between your family or friends who are travelling with you. If you re flying, store insulin in hand luggage, as it can freeze in the hold of the plane. Your diabetes team will give you in-depth advice on how to manage your medication on your journey.

4 At your destination If you re somewhere hot: think about sun safety keep your insulin in a cool place out of direct sunlight (e.g. in a cool bag or fridge), but make sure it doesn t freeze monitor your blood glucose (sugar) control - a warm climate can cause blood glucose to drop and you may need less medication drink plenty of fluids don t walk barefoot on hot sand or other surfaces. If you re somewhere cold: make sure you wear enough warm clothing - lots of thin layers are better than one thick layer think about sun safety monitor your blood glucose control - a cold climate can make your blood glucose rise and you may need more medication don t let your insulin freeze. Blood glucose testing meters and strips may be affected by hot and cold temperatures and altitude. Check your meter handbook for more information. Holiday checklist Insulin or tablets, needles and pens or syringes - take extra supplies Identification and letter from your diabetes team explaining your need for medication Blood glucose monitor, finger pricker and strips - take extra strips Hypo food/glucose tablets Insurance and medical documents Travel sickness and diarrhoea treatments A safe device for sharps disposal

5 Contact information Contact telephone number and address of GP or clinic Contact telephone numbers for suppliers of medication in the main cities you plan to visit Diabetes UK, Macleod House, 10 Parkway, London, NW1 7AA. Call the Diabetes UK Careline Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm to speak to a trained counsellor on any aspect of diabetes. (Calls from landlines cost no more than 4p per minute. Calls from mobiles usually cost more). Please note that counsellors are unable to give individual medical advice. You can also at careline@diabetes. org.uk - please allow 10 working days for your response. Alternatively visit www. diabetes.org.uk/join to find out about membership of Diabetes UK. MANUFACTURERS Eli Lilly and Company Limited Sanofi-Aventis Limited Lilly House 1 Onslow Street Priestley Road Guildford Basingstoke Surrey, GU1 4YS Hampshire, RG24 9NL Tel: (01483) Tel: (01256) Fax: (01483) Fax: (01256) Novo Nordisk Limited Wockhardt UK Limited Broadfield Park Ash Road North Brighton Road Wrexham Industrial Estate Crawley Wrexham West Sussex LL13 9UF RH11 9RT Tel: (01978) Tel: (01293) Fax: (01978) Fax: (01293)

6 Other information Other leaflets in this series include specific explanations of some of the terms used here. Leaflets on blood testing, hypos, travel, impact on sexual health, driving and employment, illness, and complications may be particularly helpful for you. Ask your diabetes team for the ones you want. Further information is available from Contact numbers and notes Eli Lilly and Company Limited Lilly House Priestley Road Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 9NL Tel: (01256) Provided as a service for patient care UKDBT01188b(1) March 2016