Advice on going abroad

[YorkshireDave]

I have already put a message on the board yesterday and some of the advice and tips have been invaluable.

So here I go again....

Can the people who are diabetic give me some advice and tips on when they go abroad with regards to: eating, insulin, drinking, preventing illness and generally keeping well.

I have been told there are tablets that they give pregnant women that reduces the chance of getting gastroenteritis and an upset stomachs. Although my wife is not pregnent I hear these tablets are sometimes perscribed to diabetics. Anyone know what they are called??

Thanks, YorkshireDave

 

[Caroline]

I've just replied on your other thread. Sorry I don't know what the tablets are called, speak to your doctor or the pharmacist who will be able to help.

Don't forget also to get a letter from your doctor to cover things like insulin and syringes as airlines have all kinds of rules.

 

[Robster65]

Hi Dave. I can't think of any special problems for diabetics other than keeping insulin cool enough (Frio bags are excellent) and trying to work out the carbs in unfamiliar dishes.

As far as the gastro problems your wife has suffered in the past, I can only suggest being very careful where you eat out and try to pick dishes that are less likely to be prepared with tap water, if that is what may have caused her problems, or other basic hygeine precautions.

Drinking-wise, plenty of fluids since dehydration can play havoc with BG levels and alcohol will increase the risk of hypos many hours later due to its effects on the liver. If you need any more specific advice, feel free to start any new threads.🙂

Rob

 

[margie]

Make sure that you keep the insulin in you hand luggage. Insulin can freeze in the hold and that makes it ineffective.

Ensure that your travel company know of the diabetes - as if they don't it can invalidate your insurance.

For travel in Europe make sure you have an EHIC.

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/Introduction.aspx

 

[KateR]

As far as the gastro problems your wife has suffered in the past, I can only suggest being very careful where you eat out and try to pick dishes that are less likely to be prepared with tap water, if that is what may have caused her problems, or other basic hygeine precautions.


Rob

Also brush your teeth with bottled water if the tap water is suspect.

 

[Pigeon]

Mt top tip is don't leave a needle in your pen on the flight - the pressure difference can cause it to leak and I once lost half a cartridge this way. Take twice as many cartridges as you think you'll need!