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Travelling with diabetes

If you have Type 1 diabetes and wish to travel, it is important to plan ahead and take extra precautions to ensure your safety. Before traveling, make sure to speak with your doctor to discuss any potential risks and to get a travel health plan. Additionally, it is important to pack extra supplies such as insulin, syringes, glucose tablets, and other medications. Make sure to carry your diabetes supplies with you at all times and to keep them in a cool, dry place. Finally, it is important to stay hydrated when traveling with diabetes. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and to avoid sugary drinks. Additionally, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and to adjust your insulin dosage as needed. Finally, it is important to eat healthy, balanced meals and snacks to help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar when traveling with diabetes. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, confusion, sweating, shakiness, and hunger. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to check your blood sugar levels and to take action to raise your blood sugar levels. This may include eating a snack or drinking a glass of juice.

It is important to be prepared for any medical emergencies that may arise while traveling with diabetes. Make sure to carry a medical alert card or bracelet that states your condition and any medications you are taking. Additionally, it is important to research the local healthcare system in the area you are traveling to and to carry a list of emergency contact numbers. Finally, it is important to make sure you have adequate travel insurance in case of any medical emergencies.

It is important to be aware of the potential risks of traveling with diabetes. These risks include dehydration, low blood sugar, and high blood sugar. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of traveling to certain countries, such as the risk of contracting a disease or being exposed to contaminated food or water. Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of engaging in certain activities, such as swimming or hiking, which may increase your risk of dehydration or low blood sugar.

Travel, leisure and holidays, Lothian advice

New Generation Security Scanners at UK Airports.

As some of you may know, many UK airports are now installing new generation security scanners. I have recently had correspondence with the CAA and we continue to recommend that all wearers of Insulin Pump and CGMs carry the MDA card explaining that both medical devices must not be either screened by x-ray or pass through the security scanner, and should be screened by alternative methods. To download a copy of the MDA card, please click here https://www.caa.co.uk/media/4f1pswv0/caa_aoa_medicaldeviceawarenesscard.pdf
or to get a free printed version of the card, please email [email protected]


Medical Device Awareness Card

Don’t forget to bring your medical evidence (e.g. letter from a medical practitioner) to

confirm your medical device such as an insulin pump or Continuous Glucose Monitoring

system (CGMs). Have this ready to show the Security Officer, along with this card.

• Make the airport Security Officer aware of the device, and exactly what it is and

where it is located.

• If you are carrying a spare medical device, remove it from your cabin bag before the

x-ray and let the Security Officer know.

• And do contact the airport if you have any concerns or queries before you travel: note

that screening equipment and processes may differ from airport to airport.

• Please check with your return airport (if outside the UK) on their arrangements for

screening medical devices.



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