How to travel when you have diabetes

Some health professionals discourage people with diabetes from planning an overseas trip. Fortunately, sufferers – and many with other stable medical conditions – generally understand the importance of taking responsibility for their health while travelling.

People with diabetes have climbed Everest, cycled from China to the UK, skied to the South Pole – and lots, lots more. Diabetes should not limit travel – but there are extra challenges to consider.

Diabetes is a fault in the body’s ability to handle sugars. It is common worldwide, although rates vary between ethnic groups. Over 2.5 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK – and it’s estimated that more than 500,000 people have the condition but don’t know it.

There are essentially two forms. Around 15% of people with diabetes have Type 1 and require insulin injections; most develop the condition during childhood or young adulthood. More people (the other 85%) have Type 2 diabetes – so-called maturity-onset diabetes; this is treated with diet modifications and often tablets. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in middle age; many sufferers are overweight at diagnosis.

One of the biggest challenges with any long-term health condition is finding appropriate insurance. Diabetes, like all chronic conditions, must be declared when taking out a policy, otherwise any claim may be dismissed.

Most travel insurers will cover people with stable diabetes without surcharge, provided there are no complications or other health problems. Look for insurers that consider pre-existing medical conditions. Any Europeans travelling on the continent should also carry a European Health Insurance Card.

Anyone suffering hypoglycaemia that leads to unconsciousness needs to learn to manage and stabilise their condition well before departure – travelling with unstable diabetes is dangerous and insurance is likely to be invalid.

Ask your GP for a letter explaining your need to carry needles and lancets for blood testing; also ask for a prescription, so you can replace supplies if they’re lost or stolen abroad.

Consider wearing identity jewellery or carrying cards giving details of your condition and medication. MedicAlert is the best-known system. Universal Medical Aid and Medical Tags also sell ID jewellery items.