• Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
  • Screening for type 1 diabetes: We now have a new forum section which is for parents who, after having their child screened for type 1, have received a positive result that at some stage their child will be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Where possible, please do offer your support and experiences of having a child diagnosed. https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/forums/screening-for-type-1-community-chat.59/
  • We seem to be having technical difficulties with new user accounts. If you are trying to register please check your Spam or Junk folder for your confirmation email. If you still haven't received a confirmation email, please reach out to our support inbox: support.forum@diabetes.org.uk

Adult son going to a gig

R

Rachellouc

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Carer/Partner
My adult son T1 (early 20’s) is going to his first late evening gig in London and we live on the south coast. He is going with a responsible friend by train and I am thinking will he need some evidence he is diabetic as he will take his kit to the gig. Anything else I should discuss with him, as he I know will be reluctant to talk about it - I think he is still coming to terms with it emotionally (diagnosed 18 months ago) although he goes through the motions of injecting regularly and tracking on his Libre. His levels can be quite high at times and have been rising lately so I want to make sure we have all bases covered. I wanted to talk to his friend about it but my husband says no - they will be fine.
 
I’ve been to lots of gigs @Rachellouc Most do bag searches. What I tend to do is tell them I have Type 1 diabetes as they’re about to find it in my bag. I usually show them my MedicAlert bracelet, but I think I once took my prescription just in case. Frankly, it depends on the venue. I went to a massive gig in London and they didn’t even notice my diabetes stuff. All they cared about was confiscating my water bottle!

It’s important his friend knows about hypos IMO.
 
Hope he has a brilliant time @Rachellouc

I’d say some sort of medical ID would be worthwhile, plus a copy of prescription and photo ID (which he may need to authenticate his ticket in any case?)

There are lots of different medicalID companies. Quite a few have a sort of surf-wristband look, so they don’t all have to look hugely ’medical’. I got something similar to this
theidbandco.com

Triple Leather Corded Bracelet

Providing a huge range of medical ID jewellery and products, sports ID and kids ID. All personalisation done in-house and rapid dispatch.
theidbandco.com theidbandco.com

The chances are he won’t need any of it (I’ve never been asked for ‘proof’ at gigs or festivals) , but having it there just in case is a wise precaution
 
It is worth checking with the venue. It is something I have been looking into as I have a couple of events coming up in the summer and both require me to email a letter from the GP together with other supporting documentation to be able to take supplies in with me.

If it is just a 'normal' nightclub then a prescription etc may well be enough but most venues will be able to tell you their door policy up-front.
 
Someone on the forum recently mentioned that their phone was unable to pick up their Libre data at a gig. It resumed when they left the gig and other members suspected that it was the close proximity of lots of other bluetooth devices which caused it. He should still be able to scan with the phone because scanning uses NFC rather than Bluetooth, but just to be aware that if he loses his Libre connection with his phone, to try scanning with it or move to a quieter area of the venue if he needs to check his readings.
What info has he been given about alcohol? Does he know that it can lower BG levels. If he is going to be drinking, then I think it is wise for his friend to have some understanding of the situation. A hypo can very easily happen as a result of alcohol and dancing and can very easily be mistaken for someone being drunk..... except it can be much more dangerous than being drunk. Not suggesting your son doesn't drink, but just be aware of the impact it can have and if necessary eat extra carbs to counteract the effects and be aware that the alcohol can cause hypos overnight and potentially into the next day.
Hope he has a great time.
 
dannybgoode said:
It is worth checking with the venue. It is something I have been looking into as I have a couple of events coming up in the summer and both require me to email a letter from the GP together with other supporting documentation to be able to take supplies in with me.

If it is just a 'normal' nightclub then a prescription etc may well be enough but most venues will be able to tell you their door policy up-front.
Click to expand...

Blimey! Don’t suppose you want to name them? I’ve been to tens and tens of gigs all over the country and have never had to do that. 99% of the people at the door are fine. The only issue I had was some jobsworth in Bristol, but that was nothing to do with my diabetes.
 
Inka said:
Blimey! Don’t suppose you want to name them? I’ve been to tens and tens of gigs all over the country and have never had to do that. 99% of the people at the door are fine. The only issue I had was some jobsworth in Bristol, but that was nothing to do with my diabetes.
Click to expand...
Tramlines festival in Sheffield and Sasha & John Digweed at Toftes Manor.

Security is getting tighter and tighter sadly and some venues/events won't even let you have a small bag with you now.
 
Have as small a bag as possible as many gigs have no bags policies (although a lot of door staff just do a cursory check and wave you in when you’re there) the website should have info about bags. If he’s not using any access areas then they don't often ask for proof of diagnosis. He may go high because of heat and excitement so reminding him to check and add insulin if needed later but not to keep correcting. And yes if he’s drinking to know how that affects him, especially if he’s prone to a later hypo.
 
dannybgoode said:
Tramlines festival in Sheffield and Sasha & John Digweed at Toftes Manor.

Security is getting tighter and tighter sadly and some venues/events won't even let you have a small bag with you now.
Click to expand...

Never been to either of those @dannybgoode I seem to remember something about bags at one venue but I just said I had Type 1 and had to carry stuff with me. I either pulled out my pump or showed them my MedicAlert. Either way, it was fortunately no problem 🙂
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top