Frequently asked questions

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Should I have travel vaccinations?

There are no restrictions on vaccinations due to having type 1 diabetes. It is very important to have the recommended travel vaccinations, since being unwell can cause additional problems with blood glucose levels.

Do I need a travel letter?

You will need a letter to go through customs stating that you are taking insulin cartridges or insulin vials, pens, insulin pump and blood glucose devices outside the UK. Ask the Paediatric Diabetes Team to provide you with this. You do not need a new letter for every trip-keep the letter with your passport between trips.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is essential to buy travel insurance for overseas travel. Check with your insurer that your policy covers diabetes and remember to take documentation relevant to your health insurance with you.

Does passing through time zones have an effect on diabetes management?

When you travel to other time zones and you use an insulin pump, change the pump time to the local time when you reach your destination.

If you use injections, you may need to adjust your dose depending on the time difference. Speak to the Paediatric diabetes team - it is really helpful to provide us with the flight details.
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Does air pressure have an effect on diabetes?

The air pressure won’t affect your diabetes. However due to the air pressure differences in the cabin, air bubbles can accumulate in the pen cartridges so it is best to remove the needle from the pen immediately after the injection.

Is it okay to fly with a pump or Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGM)?

Most pump manufacturers advise that insulin pumps should not be exposed to X-Rays. Therefore your insulin pump should not be removed and put onto the conveyer belt for hand luggage, be scanned by any hand held scanner or pass-through whole body scanners at airports. However, pumps can go through the metal detector and be swabbed (for explosives).

The Paediatric Diabetes team recommend that you carry your travel letter from the team explaining that you have diabetes and you use an insulin pump to manage your diabetes.

Pumps or CGM with remote handsets send wireless signals, so this may need to be turned off for the duration of the flight.

How do I store insulin?

If insulin gets too hot or if it freezes it becomes less effective. It will not harm you if you inject this insulin but the insulin may not work as effectively. To keep insulin cool, `frio wallets` are reusable and activated by cold water. It is important that all insulin is packed in your hand luggage.

How do I store my meters?

It is really important to check when you are in a very hot or cold country. In cold conditions or high altitude, keep the meters as close to the body as possible. It is not recommended to use outside pockets or back packs to store them.
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1926 - 2022