This Summer, I visted the Caribbean

Between, the kids, the blood sugars, insulin bolus’ and carb ratios, travelling with diabetes can be daunting. However, I wasn’t going to let any of it get in the way. I was going to enjoy every last minute of my holiday, soak up the sun and relax. So I prepared several check lists for all the basic things I needed to remember like, passports, things for the kids, tickets and of course a specific check list just for diabetes. It went a little something like this:

1. Make doctor’s appointments: Discuss basal rates and changes which might need to take place due to travels and weather. Ask doctor to provide a letter to explain that you are diabetic and what that means in terms of hypoglycaemia etc. Also that you are carrying an insulin pump and any risks which could occur due to being detached from the pump
2. Order loaner pump from Animas (or your pump provider). Animas also provide a more detailed letter and risks of putting pump through x-ray machines. AN12-1465A_v2_UK_Airline Letter FINAL (2)-1
3. Make sure you’re up to date with vaccinations.
4. Order more medication for the duration of your trip. (double, triple the amount needed)
5. Order Frio bags for medication that needs to be refrigerated.
6. Contact airline and let them know you are diabetic and travelling with an insulin pump and medication.
7. Travel insurance- Make sure your pump is covered and you’re covered for illness etc.

Going through the airport
1. Don’t put your pump through the x-ray
2. Don’t detach your pump
3. Make sure you carry all your medication with you in your hand luggage not in your suitcase
4. Adjust your pump for different time zones
5. Disconnect your pump during take off and landing – Pressure in the cabin can tamper with your insulin delivery as pressure can build’s up and force insulin through the tubing. Staying connected to your pump could cause you to have a hypo during your flight.
6. Wear some form of medical ID

10 HOURS ON A PLANE WITH A SCREAMING TODDLER AND I WAS READY TO LAND

And so many beautiful views awaited

.

Many days into my holiday and after several beach sessions. My pump started to make a barage of noises. On closer inspection, I noticed that there was a huge crack near the battery lid.

The salty water had entered the battery compartment and made it rust. I was so glad to have a loaner pump. I quickly switched the damaged pump for the loaner pump and continued to enjoy my holiday.

BTW: JUST IN CASE YOU ARE UNABLE TO GET THE OLD PUMP WORKING LIKE ME. MAKE SURE YOU WRITE DOWN ALL YOUR BASAL SETTING, INSULIN TO CARB RATIO’S, WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN BEFORE YOU TRAVEL.