Travel - FAQ

Do you have any specific advice about travelling long haul with children?

When travelling abroad please remember to carry with you a letter from your child's diabetes consultant stating that you will be carrying insulin, pens, glucometer, lancets and any other supplies that you need to look after your child. More frequent blood testing will be necessary so you will need at least double your normal amount of strips.

Changing normal routines may upset regimes and the only sure way of maintaining good glucose control is more frequent blood testing. Your child's glucose readings could be high from sitting around or eating food with more carbohydrates than usual. The extra excitement of doing something new or traveling may also increase his blood glucose.

Remember to always bring spare insulin, at least 2-3 times the normal amount he would use during the same period timeframe. Keep insulin supplies in your hand luggage, as there is a danger of freezing in the airline luggage containers at high altitude. If travelling by land, remember that closed vehicles parked in direct sunlight can get very hot inside, so it may be more appropriate to put your supplies in the boot. Always split your supplies into two bags and if possible give one set to a travelling companion.

The X-ray in security controls will not affect your child's insulin or glucose monitoring meter but it is important to have some kind of identification on your person showing that you have diabetes and must have this vital equipment at hand at all times. More often than not it will not be required but if you experience difficulties boarding a plane, have the matter referred to the airport police. Regulations state that vital medical equipment can be held as hand luggage within the passengers view on all flights.

Make sure that you have adequate carbohydrates packed in your hand luggage to cover all eventualities. One can never be sure how long any trip will take or foresee delays. Remember on a flight not to put your food supplies in the luggage rack. There is nothing worse that being on a turbulent flight when you are not allowed to move from your seat or finding that you have to pull out everyone else's luggage from the rack to get your supplies. It may also be a good idea to pack some reliable carbohydrates into your main luggage for use abroad if you are likely to experience difficulties getting similar versions abroad.

It would be best to discuss the time zone with your child's diabetes nurse who will explain in detail how to adjust your child's insulin.

My son is at university and will be going to study in another European country for third year. How will he obtain his insulin and other medical supplies?

If your son is staying in an EU country for longer than six months he will be required to fill in an E112 form. (The European Health Card will eventually replace the need for the E112 form). These are available from your local HSE offices (Local numbers are available in the front of the telephone directory). With this form get a covering letter of how to get supplies in the country your son will be in as different countries have differences as to how healthcare is paid for.

I am planning my holidays and will need to take my blood testing equipment. Somebody has told me that it is dangerous to put a blood glucose meter through the X-ray machine at the airport.Can you clarify?

There is absolutely no problem with putting your blood glucose monitor through the X-ray machine at the airport. However, we have heard of cases where custom officials actually take the meter apart or want you to remove the batteries. A covering letter from your doctor may help you in this situation. If you encounter any difficulities, ask for a supervisor as here in Ireland, Aer Riannta have stated this will not be necessary once you carry authentic documentation of having diabetes.

I am travelling abroad later this year for the first time since being diagnosed with diabetes. My concern is about how to keep my insulin cool at all times.

Keeping insulin cool is a concern but there are various products on the market to help. Several, such as the Frio pack which will hold your insulin cartridges, they cost € 35.00 for the large size (holds 12 vials and a pen) or €40.00 for the x-large size (holds 18 vials and a pen).
The Frio pack can be purchased online at  www.diabetesshop.ie or through the Diabetes Federation office which is situated at 76 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1. Phone: 1850 909 909 or 01 8363022.We are open 9am -5pm Monday - Friday.

Does passing insulin through the x-ray scanner at the airport affect the insulin? I never used to put my insulin through as I was advised not to.

But on a recent trip I was told if it didn't go through the scanner I couldn't take it with me

Scanners use a very low dose X-ray and the amount would be unharmful to your insulin.

I am planning my holidays and wonder what I need to do for my diabetes?

Planning to travel with diabetes:

  • Investigate the destination - check out the carbohydrate content of local foods
  • Diabetes supplies - work out how much you need then double it and give half to a travelling companion to carry. All supplies should be carried as hand luggage
  • Identification - carry identification at all times
  • Insurance - ordinary holiday insurance does not cover diabetes. You will need a letter on medical stationary stating you have diabetes and use medical appliances.

If your trip involves crossing time zones, talk to your diabetes nurse about altering doses. It is a good idea to bring a written prescription with generic terms of the medication you are on. Also, it is useful to go over your sick day regime and maybe discuss this regime with your travelling companions. If you are on insulin or medication that puts you at risk of a low blood sugar, you may want to have your travelling companion instructed on the use of glucagen.

When travelling within the EU, you will need a European Health Card for reduced rate or free medical attention. However, you are advised to obtain full health insurance with comprehensive cover. Check what insurance cover you have or will need. Remember that ordinary holiday insurance booked through your travel agent may not cover your diabetes. Contact ERM at 353 1 8454361 for information on the federation's comprehensive travel insurance scheme.

It is a good idea to have a few phrases in the local language e.g 'I have diabetes', 'Please give me something sweet', 'Please call a doctor'. In addition, you should always have some identification on you stating that you have diabetes. There are inscribed bracelets and medals available through the Diabetes Federation of Ireland offices. It is important that your insulin supplies are kept at the correct temperature. When out on the slopes, carry your insulin pen in an inside pocket to prevent the insulin being chilled. Don’t forget to pack a supply of energy bars for quick snacks while skiing. Remember to bring them from here as you will be unsure of the content of local bars.

Taking the time to plan and prepare for your trip is a good investment and may save hassles and worry later.

I have never been in an aeroplane before and I am concerned that I will not receive a meal that will be suited to my diabetes. Should I get in contact with the airline about this?

Most airlines offer ‘diabetic’ meal choices on flights which must be booked 24 hours before the flight. However, there may not be enough carbohydrate in the ‘diabetic’ meal option. You are recommended to carry your own supply of carbohydrate in your hand luggage because if the flight is turbulent, meals may not be served.

Will I get free medical cover and drugs as I do now if I go to live in another European country - I am not yet at retirement age

Ireland is one of the few countries where public diabetes care is free. Some other European countries also have free care (U.K.) whilst others have a subsidized system (Portugal, Spain) and in these countries you will end up having to pay part cost of the medications and strips you use. You would be advised to check out the general medical system there and then to specifically check out the diabetes situation.

I am travelling to the states for the summer where I am going is 7000 feet above sea level, will this increased altitude affect the accuracy of my blood glucose monitor or my insulin pump?

Will the altitude also affect my blood sugar levels?

At 7000 feet above sea level, it is unlikely that you need be concerned with altitude issues. Practically speaking, one generally does not worry much about elevations below about 2500 m (8000 ft) since altitude illness or associated problems rarely occur lower than this. Most meters are guaranteed for reliable readings up to a height of 5000m (16,000 feet) and within a temperature range of 18–30 degrees centigrade. Outside these ranges, meters can give incorrect high or low readings, or even stop working altogether. Check with your meter manufacturer about the height and temperature ranges of your meter. Keep meters close to the body for optimum temperature operation.

 

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APP/KOL/AC 22/02/07