TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH DIABETES AND INJECTABLE THERAPY Information Leaflet

Your Health. Our Priority.

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Diabetes | Kingsgate House, Stockport

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Introduction People with diabetes who inject insulin and / or GLP-1 therapy (Byetta. Bydureon, Victoza or Lyxumia) can still enjoy foreign travel. However, it is important that all travel is planned in advance and that advice is sought wherever necessary.

Before you travel 

Have all the necessary vaccinations at least two weeks before you travel. The vaccinations may make you feel ‘under the weather’ for a while.

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Take an EHIC card with you if you are travelling in Europe. These can be ordered online or by telephoning an automated service on 0300 330 1350.

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Ensure you have adequate health/travel insurance which covers you for diabetes.

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Inform your travel company that you have diabetes and inject insulin or GLP-1 therapy.

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Take ID cards and / or bracelets. In some countries a letter stating that you have diabetes may be required.

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Obtain a letter from your diabetes care provider stating that you have diabetes and inject insulin or GLP 1 therapy.

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Request additional supplies of medication and equipment from your GP. Take twice as much medication and equipment with you as you think you may need.

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If you inject insulin and will be travelling across time zones, contact your diabetes care provider for advice regarding adjustment of your insulin. To help your nurse or doctor, please have the following information available:    

UK departure and arrival times Local arrival and departure times Number of hours your holiday destination is ahead or behind UK time Length of flights

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If you inject insulin, find out what types and strengths of insulin are available in the area in which you will be travelling (contact the relevant pharmaceutical company).

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If you have a long flight or are travelling to a hot country with limited facilities for keeping your insulin cool, consider purchasing a cool pouch / pack.

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Ensure that all supplies of medication and equipment are packed in your hand luggage. The temperature in the hold of an aeroplane may freeze insulin / GLP-1 therapy and deactivate it. In addition, suitcases occasionally go missing.

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Diabetes | Kingsgate House, Stockport

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What to take / organise (checklist) Item EHIC card Travel insurance Travel documents ID card / passport Travel letter from diabetes care provider Medication and equipment Insulin passport Types and strengths of insulin at holiday destination Advice re time zones Cool bag Usual hypo treatments Sunscreen / sunglasses Advise your travel companions what to do in an emergency

Going through security 

Keep your travel letter handy to show to security officers.

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Keep all medication in original labelled boxes.

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Split your insulin / GLP-1 medication and medical equipment between you and your travelling companion. If one set of hand luggage becomes lost, you will still have some medication.

On the aeroplane 

There is no need to request specific diabetic meals.

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Diabetes | Kingsgate House, Stockport

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While on holiday 

Remember not to expose insulin or GLP-1 medication to very hot temperatures as this can deactivate it. Store your injectable medication in a cool place.

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On arrival find out how to obtain medical help (if needed).

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Never walk barefoot.

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Remember to use plenty of sunscreen as sunburn is dangerous.

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Continue to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.

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If you become ill whilst away on holiday, your blood sugar levels may run higher. If this is the case, you will probably require more insulin at this time.

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Drink plenty of fluids when it is hot to prevent dehydration.

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Be careful with alcohol. If you take medication for your diabetes, alcohol can lower your blood glucose levels quite dramatically. However, two to three units per day are unlikely to affect your control. If you do drink excess amounts of alcohol always have a carbohydrate based snack before going to bed.

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Insulin may be absorbed faster in warmer climates. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is important to allow dose adjustments to be made if necessary.

When you return home 

Discard any unused insulin / GLP-1 medication.

Useful contacts 

EHIC – Automated telephone number 0300 330 1350. Website http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

Contact details Diabetes Specialist Nurses 1st Floor Kingsgate House Wellington Road North Stockport SK4 1LW Tel: 0161 426 5408 E-mail: [email protected]

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Diabetes | Kingsgate House, Stockport

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If you would like this leaflet in a different format, for example, in large print, or on audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact: Patient and Customer Services, Poplar Suite, Stepping Hill Hospital. Tel: 0161 419 5678. Email: [email protected].

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Leaflet number Publication date Review date Department Location

www.stockport.nhs.uk

MED133 July 2015 July 2017 Diabetes Kingsgate House, Stockport

Diabetes | Kingsgate House, Stockport