Diabetes and travel

Posted by Mark (Palos Heights, IL, USA) on 05/23/07 07:22 AM

Good morning. First time poster so please bear with me if I make any mistakes.

I am taking my first trip to Europe in August (Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels) so I have a lot of reading and research to do before I go.

My question is this - I am diabetic and need to have my medication and blood glucose meter with me every day. Is there something I should have, documentation or whatever, that will help me board my flight easier? Also, any advice if I need to get medication or glucose meter supplies (things get lost) when I am in country?

Thanks in advance.

Posted by Mark OP

Palos Heights, IL, USA

05/23/07 07:24 AM

3 posts

I just found the link to the topic on medications. Sorry, I should have looked first.

Posted by Flight Attendant

Niagara Wine Country, Canada

05/30/07 02:50 PM

808 posts

As both a Medical First Responder and Flight Attendant I would suggest the following:

Refill your prescriptions a few days before you leave. Ask the Pharmacist to divide your pills into two seperate labelled containers. Always carry one set of medications on board the aircraft with you. You can put a back up supply in your checked luggage, if you check luggage. Consider bringing along an additional meter and testing supplies in case one becomes unservicable or goes missing. Always carry additional supply of meds incase you extend your stay. Usually an extra 7 days is sufficient. Keep your meds handy in a first aid kit or clear plastic bag.
If you use needles, consider getting a letter from your Doctor identifying your Diabetic Condition which confirms that you require these for that reason. Also a valid prescription with generic names could be helpful should you need it.
Wear a Medic Alert type bracelet. Bring snacks. Pre-order a Diabetic meal. Manage your condition well.

Posted by Marifae

Snohomish, WA, USA

07/20/07 04:58 PM

4 posts

I am going on RS 21 day thru EU next summer. As a type II, I would agree with all the advice given. I am going to renew all meds just before I leave and get new copies of the prescrips from the doc to take with. There are also more companies coming out with low carb energy bars. I will be taking some with me as well as pkts of splenda and a container to carry water. My husband always says I take too much, but in this case, more is better.

Posted by Angie

Franklin, TN, USA

07/21/07 07:11 AM

15 posts

Also, know what kind of batteries your glucose meter takes and throw in an extra set. I have a regular meter that I use at home, but a smaller one that I take to work and on vacation.

I am Type II and have had no trouble going through security with my meter/lancets. Never even been questioned about them.

I do well with those 1 oz. bags of peanuts for snacks and they don't melt and are a real pick me up when dinner times are unpredictable.

Most trips to Europe involve a lot of walking which lowers my glucose level and that helps a lot. I am not on insulin which I imagine complicates things quite a bit.

Good luck and have a wonderful time!

Angie

Posted by Margaret

Clarkston, USA

07/21/07 11:22 AM

192 posts

Are you on those Byetta shots?? If so, there is a nifty little bag that you can dunk in water and the pellets inside freeze, and you can keep the shot cold for up to 48 (I think it's 48) hours. I got mine from the American diab. website. I think it cost about $25, but I figure it will be worth it.