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OCEAN VIEW health
travelling with
DIABETES
D
Having a chronic medical condition should
never mean you can’t do the things you want to.
iabetes is increasingly close eye on your glucose levels,
common, both inType 1 and adjusting your dose if necessary.
Type2varieties,withmillions Don’tforgetthatInsulinshouldnever
ofpeoplelivingwiththeconditionin be frozen, so keep it in your hand
the UK alone. Most people learn to luggage if flying. Be aware that alti-
manage their condition in every day tude can also affect glucose monitor
life but what about more unusual readings.
circumstances,likegoingonholiday? As with any chronic condition, it’s a
Whentravellingwithanymedication, good idea to wear identity jewellery
particularly something as crucial as with details of your condition, or
diabetes medication, it’s a good carry a card, in case emergency
generalruletotaketwiceasmuchas medical treatment should be
you need and to split it up so that required.
different members of your party are As diabetes is so intrinsically linked
carryingsomeeach,justincaseabag with diet, you must be extra careful
getslost.Youshouldalsotakecopies about what you’re eating (and not,
of your prescription, for as many of us are guilty of doing,
clarity at customs and to make abandonyourdiet“becauseit’sahol-
obtaining more easier should you iday!”). Keep a supply of
not have enough medication. It’s carbohydrate with you at all times
advisabletoobtainaletterfromyour andstickasclosetoyournormaldiet
GPorhospitaldiabetesdepartmentif asyoucan.
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carrying needles and syringes. It’s Travel insurance is absolutely vital;
equally important to take enough emergency treatment within the
glucosemonitoringstrips,lancetsetc European Union is usually free to
foryourjourney. peoplewithdiabetesifappropriately
Insulin varies in strengths and insured. You should let your
measurements, so it’s important to insurance company know that you
check up on what will be available are diabetic so that they can provide
before you leave and take your own cover, which can be particularly
wherever possible. In warmer useful for recovering medication
climates,thebodycanabsorbinsulin charges should you need more
faster so you must keep an extra insulinorequipmentwhilstabroad.
PAGE59 AUTUMN2009
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