Travelling

Your travelling days are far from over just because you have diabetes. Read more for tips on how to make your travels go smoothly.

Diabetes and traveling

Whether you plan to travel for business or pleasure, your diabetes should not stop you. What you need is careful planning. We often see a holiday as a chance to take a break from our normal life. However, a holiday, or any other kind of travel, doesn't mean you can take a break from your diabetes control.

When you plan a trip, make sure your blood sugar is well controlled. Plan ahead and take precautions against any possible problems that could arise.

Discuss your travel plans

Discuss your travel plans with your diabetes care team. If possible, have a medical check-up to make sure you are fit to travel. Get advice and information about travel insurance and any special requirements in the country you plan to visit.

Your diabetes should be well controlled before you leave, and take extra care to keep it under control while you’re away.

Documents you should take with you

  • A letter from your clinic or GP explaining you have diabetes, with a note of the insulins or tablets you take (there may be a charge for this)
  • A doctor’s prescription for your tablets or insulin
  • An identification card or documentation with any relevant medical information. Identity cards can be ordered from the Diabetes UK  website. You may be questioned when going through Security or Customs about your syringes, insulin, meter for measuring blood sugar or tablets. The identification card and letter could save lengthy explanations
  • Insurance cover. Check that the policy covers your diabetes and any other pre-existing medical conditions that you have
  • Translations for foreign countries
  • Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

    • What to take in your hand luggage:

    • Extra disposable pens, cartridges or insulin vials if you are on insulin injections
    • Your pills if you are on tablets 
    • Blood sugar meter and strips
    • Test-strips for ketones
    • A form of "fast-acting" sugar
    • Snacks
    • A diabetes ID card and
    • A glucagon injection kit in case of severe hypoglycaemia.

    Travelling and diabetes: A summary

    • Diabetes needn’t stop you from travelling, as long as you plan your trips carefully in advance
    • Discuss your travel plans with your care team beforehand
    • Ensure your blood sugar levels are well controlled before you travel
    • Take all the necessary equipment and documentation
    • Test your blood sugar frequently while you’re away
    • Relax and enjoy your trip!

     

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      INS/030/0809

    Last updated: August 2009