Keeping Insulin cool when travelling

[Jeffo]

I'm new to insulin and considering a 12 hour flight with sufficient stock of insulin to last 4 weeks when I get there. Would appreciate advice before going ahead with the trip. Thanks.

 

[DaveB]

Hi. I have two Frio bags/wallets. They rely on water evaporation and work for a day. The problem is not the flight when you have the Frio bags but whether there is a fridge where you are staying

 

[Ljc]

I suggest you take more diabetic kit including insulin and Any other meds than you think you will need, just in case something goes wrong, gets broken or lost. oh and a spare glucose meter , if you use reusable insulin pens take a spare pens .

Keep all your insulin in your hand luggage as it could get frozen in the hold.

You should find this helpful . https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/travel
It might be better to try and get the letter mentioned in the checklist from your nurse rather than the Gp.
I believe some airlines allow an extra hand luggage bag for meds etc , you will need to check this out.

 

[Robin]

If you’re storing insulin in a hotel fridge, check the setting before you put it in, I put mine in along with the picnic stuff, and when I got it all out the following morning, the packet of ham was frozen solid. Slight panic while I investigated the insulin, but fortunately it was well enough insulated by the plastic bubble and the cardboard box it was in not to have frozen.

 

[helli]

The problem is not the flight when you have the Frio bags but whether there is a fridge where you are staying

I have been on three week holidays mostly camping without a fridge in sight.
Frio bags are fantastic and I have never experienced any problems with my insulin.
Basically, it does not have to be kept in the fridge; just not get too hot (or too cold).

I would have absolutely no concern having 4 weeks worth of insulin in my hand luggage for 12 hours.

 

[helli]

I suggest you take more diabetic kit including insulin and Any other meds than you think you will need, just in case something goes wrong, gets broken or lost. oh and a spare glucose meter , if you use reusable insulin pens take a spare pens .

Great advice. I tend to only take a single glucose meter but ensure I have spare batteries for it.
In over 15 years I have never had a meter fail but I have had the batteries go flat.

 

[trophywench]

I was told to just take double of everything I think I'll probably need - so I always have!

 

[pm133]

I have been on three week holidays mostly camping without a fridge in sight.
Frio bags are fantastic and I have never experienced any problems with my insulin.
Basically, it does not have to be kept in the fridge; just not get too hot (or too cold).

I would have absolutely no concern having 4 weeks worth of insulin in my hand luggage for 12 hours.

I'm pretty sure I read that insulin is fine below 26 degrees C.

 

[Paulbreen]

As a engineer in the aerospace manufacturing world for the last 30 years flying world wide with around 100+ flights per year pre Covid I would carry my usual amount of insulin +a spare pen of insulin for emergency. Always carry your meds in the cabin and put pump accessories in your luggage. If pumping carry a pen of your insulin and needles just in case of a pump issue.
I have never once been questioned at security about my meds and I don’t even put it in a clear bag, I just leave it in my carry on.
Flying is no big deal if your sensible,

 

[helli]

I'm pretty sure I read that insulin is fine below 26 degrees C.

"NovoRapid® [Penfill® /FlexTouch® ] that is not being used is to be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C, away from the cooling element. Do not freeze. NovoRapid ® [vial/Penfill® ] that is being used or is about to be used is not to be kept in the refrigerator. You can carry it with you and keep it at room temperature (not above 30°C). Use within 4 weeks. NovoRapid® [FlexTouch® ]: After first opening or when carried as a spare: You can carry your NovoRapid® FlexTouch® with you and keep it at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). If refrigerated, keep away from the cooling element. Do not freeze. Use within 4 weeks."

This is only one type of insulin but it is a good guide. If you are concerned, Google is your friend.

 

[Jeffo]

As a engineer in the aerospace manufacturing world for the last 30 years flying world wide with around 100+ flights per year pre Covid I would carry my usual amount of insulin +a spare pen of insulin for emergency. Always carry your meds in the cabin and put pump accessories in your luggage. If pumping carry a pen of your insulin and needles just in case of a pump issue.
I have never once been questioned at security about my meds and I don’t even put it in a clear bag, I just leave it in my carry on.
Flying is no big deal if your sensible,

Thank you very much for that Paul - very reassuring.

 

[Paulbreen]

Thank you very much for that Paul - very reassuring.

Hi Jeffo, I forgot to say that most places in the world I visit, you will find it much easier than the UK to get insulin from a pharmacy in case you do have any issues. You have to pay of course.