Traveling far away

[raghda]

We live in Oman. My 7 years old daughter was diagnosed 8 months ago. She currently on insulatard and actrapid (2+5) morning and (1+2) evening injections. Her last h1c was 6.7 we are planning a summer holiday to visit Australia, which is about 16 hours flying from Oman. Just need your opinion as if this trip is really a good idea or if we should pick a place closer to home.  Any comments on a similar experience is most welcome

Thank you

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

I agree with SGG's suggestions.

Since meds differ from location to location, a handy rule of thumb is to bring along 2-3 times the quantity of EVERYTHING you need.  There are also handy "gel coolers" to help ensure that her insulin is not overheated.

Like SGG, I'm a long-time diabetic and have travelled the world. Some of my earliest travels were in the days before we had the ability to test our blood sugar.  It's safer & easier now :-)

Encourage your diabetic child (and all children) to take on increasing responsibility for their self-care == while enjoying all the opportunities that life affords them.  To the angst of all parents, DM children must forego "carefree" days and yet they can still savor the best that life has to offer.  For your daughter, for example, ask her to think about all the "stuff" that she uses daily ot help her maintain her good diabetic control.  Involve her in the planning, list-making, and checking for your vacation -- perhaps she'll earn a special small carry-on case with all her essentials.  One item that's easy to forget is a couple of glucagon kits.  Hopefully, you'll never need them, but best to be safe ...

ENJOY your family vacation!  I hope you'll post again with the tips 'n' tricks your family creates to make it all enjoyable.

[JDRF-Team-sgg]

I am not a physician, but am a long-time type 1 diabetic, diagnosed 34 years ago. I can only answer from my own experience, both as a chld and now as an adult, but several common-sense things come to mind.

First, I would give her doctor a call before she leaves in case he has any suggestions for you. It appears that her glucose control is within acceptable ranges from her last ha1c, so the important thing will be to keep doing whatever you are doing now while she is traveling.

Second, I would suggest that you carry whatever snacks that will be allowed into Australia WITH you. I always fly with pre-packaged juice cans/boxes and candy (now, with the extra international security, it is important for food items to be the prepackaged types with labels clearly seen).

Also, when you get to Australia, try to read the labels on any food items you buy to use as snacks for your daughter, for the foods may be new. Some things, such as fresh fruit, will be no different from what you can buy at home, so you may wish to stay with bananas and other fruits for carbohydrate snacks that your daughter is familiar with.

It may be wise to test her glucose levels more often than usual since foods and activities may be different from what they are at home.  A test BEFORE and also perhaps about 2-3 hours AFTER a meal may keep you informed about how well the foods are working with her insulin and activity levels. You can then adjust with food or insulin as needed and she will feel good and be able to enjoy her trip better with good glucose control.

It would be wise to have a written prescription from your daughter's doctor for needles, insulin, etc. WITH you at all times in case the security people question the presence of needles or insulin vials. Also, this would make it easier for you to replace a broken or lost vial of insulin if necessary. I have never had anyone ask for this written prescription when traveling, but it would be wise to have it with you at all times.

Also, I would take her insulin and at least 2-3 needles with you on the plane in case the luggage is misplaced. The insulin will fare better if in a temperature-controlled setting with the passengers rather than in a luggage bin under the plane.

I would not let the diabetes stop you or your daugther from experiencing a very normal life. You simply have to plan well beforehand and make sure that all emergency items are with you in order to travel. Do enjoy your holiday!