Holiday advice for diabetics

WITH holiday season in full swing, many of the thousands living with diabetes in the Rhymney Valley will be looking forward to a welldeserved break in the sunshine or planning a long weekend away.

If you or your child has diabetes the condition will be going on your holiday with you, but there’s no reason for it to slow anyone down provided you do some advance preparation.

Before you get your sunglasses and sandals ready, check out our useful travel advice at diabetes.org.uk/travel including handy tips about carrying a letter from your doctor, packing extra medication and splitting supplies into separate bags.

Other suggestions include taking a letter from your diabetes team which explains your condition when you check in to an airport.

There is also detailed information about how to plan ahead to avoid any issues with airports and airlines if you are taking an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor with you.

For people living with Type 2 diabetes, Diabetes UK’s online e-learning programme, Type 2 Diabetes and Me, includes a section about how to manage your condition while on holiday.

This can be accessed free at type2 diabetesandme.co.uk

For more information you can also call Diabetes UK’s Careline on 0345 123 2399.

Dai Williams Director, Diabetes UK Cymru