Travelling Abroad with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes!

Travelling and exploring new countries is an exciting adventure, but if you have diabetes, a bit of extra planning is essential to ensure smooth and stress-free adventures.

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, taking precautions before and during your journey can help you avoid potential issues with medication, food, and blood sugar management.

From long-haul flights and time zone changes to crossing borders, different climates and unfamiliar cuisines, there's a lot to consider. But don't worry-here's all you need to know for travelling overseas with diabetes, so you can explore the world safely and with confidence!

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What to Do Before You Travel Overseas

Before you set off on your travels, taking some key steps can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday abroad.

Visit Your GP or Diabetes Specialist

Booking an appointment with your doctor or diabetes nurse well in advance of your trip is a must, especially when travelling internationally. This medical visit is a great opportunity to discuss:

Your travel destination / itinerary and any diabetes-related risks related to altitude, extreme heat, or increased physical activity.
How to adjust your insulin or medication schedule if you're crossing time zones.
Any necessary or recommended vaccinations for your destination-some vaccines can briefly affect blood sugar levels.
Requesting a diabetes travel letter, which explains your condition and why you need to carry insulin, syringes, or a pump. This can be crucial at customs, international airports, or in case of a medical emergency abroad.
Ask your doctor about emergency procedures for handling unexpected changes in blood sugar levels while travelling.
Get recommendations for local clinics or hospitals at your destination in case you need urgent medical care.
Ask for additional prescriptions for insulin, or other diabetes medications like Metformin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, etc., glucose meters, and any other diabetes essentials in case of loss or theft.

Secure Travel Insurance for Diabetics

Having comprehensive travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions, like type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is essential when travelling abroad. A good holiday insurance policy should include, at least, the following:

Medical coverage for diabetes-related emergencies such as hospitalisation, doctor visits, and emergency medication replacements.
Coverage for lost or stolen medication, including insulin, glucose monitors, and other essential supplies.
Emergency transport to a local hospital or repatriation to the UK if needed.

Regular travel insurances do not cover pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes. However, some UK insurers, like the All Clear Insure My Diabetes, specialise in covering travellers with diabetes, so be sure to compare policies and read the fine print.

Also, don't forget to check if your policy includes coverage for adventure activities or extreme weather conditions, as it's not always the case.

Make Some Research About International Destinations

Travelling to a different region or country is always exciting, but it comes with uncertainties that you should address before departure. For instance:

Medical Care & Diabetes Medication Abroad: The availability of medical care and diabetes medications like insulin may vary from what you're used to in the UK. Some countries have different brands of insulin or provide different insulin concentrations. Research in advance where you can access medical supplies and whether they match what you use at home. If your medication is unavailable in your destination, consult your doctor for suitable alternatives.

Climate Considerations: Weather conditions can impact your blood sugar levels. Extreme heat can cause insulin to absorb faster, increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia, while cold temperatures can slow absorption. High humidity may also affect glucose meters and test strips. Plan accordingly by keeping insulin in a temperature-controlled case and monitoring your blood sugar levels more frequently.

Language Barriers: If you're travelling to a non-English-speaking country, it's a good idea to learn key phrases in the local language, such as "I have diabetes" and "I need sugar." Maybe you can download a translation app or carry a written note with essential phrases to help you in case of an emergency. You can also prepare a small phrasebook with common diabetes-related terms.

Emergency Medical Assistance: Knowing what to do in a medical emergency when abroad isn't always straightforward. Before departure, look up the emergency medical services number in your destination country and save it to your phone. If you wear a medical ID bracelet, make sure it's updated with your condition and emergency contact details.

Local Food & Dietary Considerations: Local cuisine may differ significantly from what you're used to at home, which can affect your blood glucose levels. Research common foods and their carbohydrate content to help manage your insulin doses. In case you struggle to find suitable meals, bring non-perishable diabetic-friendly snacks like protein bars and nuts to keep you going.

Customs & Medications: Travelling Internationally with Insulin & Diabetes Supplies

While insulin and most diabetes medications, including Metformin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, and others, are well-known and available in most countries in the World, different countries may have different rules when it comes to carrying prescription medications.

For most travel destinations, you won't be asked anything and can freely travel with your medications as long as you can easily prove it's for personal use. However, making some research before departure can help making sure you're in compliance with local customs.

Understanding Customs Regulations on Medications

If you have doubt before your trip, call the embassy or consulate of your destination country. They'll be able to provide you with necessary information about how to travel with medications and what paperwork you may need if any. Always check regulations for your destination to avoid issues at customs, especially when travelling outside Europe. If possible, print out customs policies related to insulin and medical devices for easy reference if questioned.

Carrying a Diabetes Travel Letter & Prescriptions

A doctor's note can make customs clearance easier and assist in case of a medical emergency. The letter should include:

Your name and medical condition.
A list of all medications (including generic names) and diabetes supplies you are carrying.
Confirmation of any medical devices, such as insulin pumps or CGMs.
Instructions for emergency treatment if needed.
Contact details for your doctor or diabetes specialist in case authorities need further verification.

You can download a free Diabetes Letter Template here and ask your doctor to fill it out before your trip.

Always keep medications in their original packaging for easy identification at custom checks.

Bringing Insulin & Medical Supplies into Different Countries

EU & Schengen Area: UK travellers can carry medication for personal use with a doctor's letter. Most of the time, you won't even be required to show any paperwork.

USA: Insulin must be clearly labelled with the patient's name and match the prescription.

Middle East & Asia: Some countries have strict laws-research before you travel.

Australia & New Zealand: Prescription medications must be declared upon arrival.

Check Import Restrictions: Some destinations limit how much medication you can bring in-contact the embassy if unsure.

Managing Diabetes at Your Destination

Once you arrive at your destination, it's important to stay vigilant about your diabetes management. Different time zones, new foods, varying activity levels, and environmental factors can all affect blood sugar levels. By planning ahead and staying mindful of potential challenges, you can enjoy your trip while keeping your diabetes under control.

Adjusting to Different Time Zones

For those on insulin or strict medication schedule, travelling across multiple time zones can disrupt your routine, making gradual adjustments essential for maintaining your schedule.

Ideally, you should begin shifting your basal insulin schedule a few days before departure to align more closely with your destination's time zone. For example, if you usually take a long-acting insulin injection at 10 PM UK time, but your destination is five hours ahead, you can adjust by taking it 30 minutes earlier each night in the days leading up to your trip. Once you arrive, continue monitoring your blood sugar levels closely and make further adjustments as needed.

Work with your doctor to develop a strategy for shifting insulin doses according to your new schedule. Setting alarms to remind yourself when to take insulin or medication as you transition across time zones can be very helpful.

Eating & Drinking Safely Abroad

Exploring new cuisines and dining in different countries can be one of the most enjoyable parts of travelling abroad, but if you have diabetes, it's essential to be mindful of how foreign foods may affect your blood sugar levels.

Estimating carbohydrate content in international dishes can be tricky, so it's helpful to do some research on common local meals before your trip. Many countries have vastly different dietary staples, and portion sizes may vary significantly from what you're accustomed to in the UK.

Food safety is another major consideration, particularly in regions where food hygiene standards may differ from the UK. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods, opt for bottled or filtered water, and choose reputable dining establishments.

Street food, while often delicious, should be approached with caution, especially when you have diabetes-make sure it's cooked thoroughly and served hot.

If you do experience food poisoning or an upset stomach, remember that dehydration and fluctuating blood sugar levels can make symptoms worse, so stay hydrated and have medication on hand to manage any gastrointestinal issues.

Alcohol consumption also requires careful planning when you have diabetes. While enjoying a drink or two is part of many social and cultural experiences, alcohol can significantly impact your blood sugar levels. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause hypoglycaemia, while sugary cocktails may lead to unexpected spikes. Always pair alcoholic beverages with food, monitor your blood sugar more frequently when drinking, and know your body's response to alcohol before indulging. If you're unsure, consider sticking to lower-sugar options like dry wines or spirits mixed with soda water.

For travellers with dietary restrictions or those who struggle to find suitable meals, carrying non-perishable snacks such as protein bars, nuts, or glucose tablets can be a lifesaver. Whether you're on a long-haul flight, hiking in a remote area, or simply adjusting to a new eating schedule, having reliable snacks ensures that you can manage your blood sugar effectively even when local food options are limited. Preparing in advance allows you to enjoy your travels while keeping your diabetes under control (as much as possible!).

Being Active & Dealing with Different Climates

Engaging in physical activities while travelling can be a fantastic way to explore new destinations, but it's important to be mindful of how different climates and activity levels can impact blood sugar control. Whether you're walking for hours through city streets, hiking up mountain trails, or simply experiencing a change in routine, being more active than usual is part of travelling but can lead to fluctuations in glucose levels.

Long days of sightseeing, outdoor excursions, or increased walking can lower blood sugar levels, sometimes requiring adjustments in carbohydrate intake or insulin dosages. To prevent unexpected drops, always carry snacks, plan meal timings carefully, and take regular breaks when engaging in prolonged physical activities. Listening to your body and keeping an eye on your glucose readings can help you maintain stability while making the most of your travel experience.

In warmer climates, insulin absorption can increase due to higher temperatures, which may raise the risk of hypoglycaemia. To prevent this, it's advisable to carry fast-acting glucose sources such as juice, glucose tablets, or small snacks while you're out and about.

Additionally, keeping insulin cool is essential, as exposure to excessive heat can reduce its effectiveness. Using insulated pouches, cooling packs, or travel-friendly mini-insulin fridges is essential to maintain insulin's stability throughout your trip. The same goes for all diabetes injectable medications, including Ozempic, Mounjaro, Victoza, Trulicity, and others.

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Cold weather presents the opposite challenge, as insulin absorption may slow down, sometimes requiring dose adjustments. If you're travelling to a colder destination, be prepared to monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently too. Wearing warm clothing and ensuring that insulin and glucose meters are stored at appropriate temperatures can prevent them from freezing and damage.

What to do in Case of a Diabetes Emergency While Abroad

Even with the best planning, unexpected situations can arise while travelling abroad. Knowing how to handle a diabetes-related emergency abroad is crucial for your safety.

Whether it's a sudden drop in blood sugar, difficulty accessing medical care, or needing urgent assistance, being prepared can make all the difference. Familiarising yourself with emergency procedures, local healthcare facilities, and essential resources is important and part of your travel preparation, especially when you have diabetes.

Finding Medical Assistance in a Foreign Country

Finding reliable medical assistance abroad can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local healthcare system or do not speak the language.

Before you travel, researching hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in your destination can save you valuable time in case of an emergency. Identify medical facilities that have English-speaking staff or are known for providing care to international patients. Many large cities have hospitals that cater specifically to expatriates and tourists, offering better communication and familiarity with foreign prescriptions.

Your travel insurance provider should be able to provide you with this information, as well as details on partner hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies where you should go in case of an emergency.

Carrying a written medical history as well as your diabetes travel letter, along with a translation card explaining your condition and diabetes treatment, can be immensely helpful when seeking medical assistance in a country where English is not widely spoken. This should include details about your diabetes type, current medications, any allergies, and emergency contact information.

If you require urgent medical help, knowing the local emergency number is crucial. While 112 is the standard emergency number in many European countries, other nations may have different emergency contact numbers for medical assistance. Save this information in your phone and keep a printed copy in your travel documents.

Additionally, if you are travelling within Europe, your EHIC or GHIC card will allow you to access state-funded medical care in participating countries. However, this should always be used alongside comprehensive travel insurance to avoid unexpected costs.

In case of an emergency, your hotel or accommodation staff can also be a valuable resource in directing you to the nearest medical facility or arranging transportation. Some hotels have medical professionals on call, which can be useful for non-urgent concerns.

If your condition worsens and you require repatriation, your travel insurance provider should be contacted immediately to discuss the next steps.

Being proactive and prepared before you travel ensures that, should you require medical assistance, you can receive timely and effective care without unnecessary complications.

With the right preparation, travelling abroad with diabetes doesn't have to be stressful. Plan ahead, pack smart, and stay informed about your destination's medical and customs regulations. Most importantly, enjoy your trip!

We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!

If you have any travel tips or experiences, or any question to share, leave a comment below-we'd love to hear from you!

January 17, 2025

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The information presented in this article and its comment section is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions you may have.

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