Diabetes doesn’t have to stop you backpacking, and many people with diabetes have travelled to far flung places, well off the beaten track with no problem at all. But like many things with diabetes, it helps to plan ahead.
Planning ahead
Insulin supplies
You might need a large supply of insulin and all your supplies, so discuss this with your GP in plenty of time. Take a spare blood glucose monitor in case yours gets broken. And remember to have plenty of your hypo remedies. At your destination, check what’s available locally to treat a hypo.
Looking after your insulin
Consider how you’re going to keep your insulin cool if a fridge isn’t available. You can use an insulated cool bag, flask or frio bag. If you have a few nights in a hostel, you might be able to store your insulin in their kitchen or bar fridge, but you’ll need to take a view about the safety of this - it could be stolen or tampered with.
Keep a check on the condition of your insulin - when it is no longer useable the colour and consistency often changes. Speak to the manufacturer of your insulin to find out specific changes to look out for.
Insulin availability
If you’re going to be away a long time, you probably won’t be able to take enough insulin with you to last for all your trip. Your insulin manufacturer will be able to tell you whether the insulin you’re using insulin is available in the countries you’re visiting. If it’s not, talk to your healthcare team about what you could use as an alternative. And remember that you will have to pay for any insulin you buy abroad, so keep some money back for emergencies such as this.
Insulin dosage
Consider reducing your insulin dose if you’re doing a lot of walking/activity or if it’s very hot. But if you’re doing a long bus or train journey, you might need to go back to your usual dose or perhaps even slightly more as you’re going to be quite inactive. Talk to your healthcare team for specific advice about this.
Insurance
Ensure that your travel insurance is comprehensive, and covers any problem you may have with your diabetes. And that it covers any extreme sports if you’re going to try them.
Let people know
You are likely to meet lots of new people when you’re travelling, and it’s worth letting them know about your diabetes in case you become unwell or need help treating a hypo.
Make sure you wear some I.D. so if you do have a problem people know you have diabetes.