Ran out of Insulin on Holiday?!

R

robyn2211

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
I am currently away in Sri Lanka, travelling around- part work part holiday trip, however I under estimated how much of short acting (bolos) insulin pens I would be need- yes I brought a spare pen out but i went through both pens quicker than expected ( a combination of large meals and unsure of carb count, minimal movement compared to what I usually do and heat)

I have 3.5 days left and as I don’t think I will be able to get to a doctor or pharmacy as in a rural area, i am thinking to continue with my basal dose in the morning and then have another small dose overnight- I have tresiba, to tie me over until I am home on Wednesday. I will also watch what I eat, try and move more and drink plenty of water. Would this be what you would do? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Please no judgemental comments as I already pretty stupid, and careless.

Thanks
 
No judgmental comments here, hindsight is a wonderful thing!
A few things spring to mind.
1.Watch your levels like a hawk, if. they seem to be getting out of control, do anything you can to get to a pharmacy that might be able to sell you insulin.
2.Dont eat anything massively carby, and try and eat carbs with fat and protein to slow them down.
3. If you increase your Tresiba, don’t forget that it will take three days for the extra to be out of your system when you meet up with short acting again, so be wary of hypos in a few days time.
Good luck!
 
Argh! What a nightmare for you @robyn2211

I made a similar underestimation just once - I'd taken enough for UK routine, but not for being on holiday with the non-standard meals that can involve. Ever since I've based my packing on taking at least double what I think I'll need - just in case!

I was in France, so was able to get a prescription to purchase some insulin at a pharmacy (my poor level of French was stretched to its limits!).

Have you actually completely run out of bolus insulin now? Or do you have some that you can eke out with careful low-carb meals?

As long as you have Tresiba you may just be able to make it through a few days, with a combination of fasting and salads/low carb meals - but those may be difficult to locate depending on how rural your setting is?

If there is any possibility of getting insulin that would be my preference.

But +1 on the recommendation to keep a very close eye on your levels - and take action to seek medical attention if things start going wrong!

Good luck.
 
I’d be trying to get a replacement bolus pen, if you’ve needed more than you expected then you’re likely to need more corrections which you can’t give with tresiba. Does ringing your travel insurance give any advice?
 
Thank you everyone! Handy advice and I’ve eaten less, and more veg. I’m using the last 20unit sparingly, either breakfast or lunch and levels thankfully are manageable with the tresbia tieing me overnight One day to go and I think I’ll be okay.

Next time I’ll be packing 3 pens. Lesson Learnt!
 
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