Traveling the world with type 1 diabetes
Featuring our Founder Julie Kfr.
An experienced traveler and type one diabetic since 1997, our founder, Julie K. shares her experience traveling with type 1 diabetes.
She has visited more than 25 countries and lived in France, Australia, Indonesia, and the UK.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas to be destroyed; preventing the body from being able to produce insulin to adequately regulate blood glucose levels.
DO NOT LET OTHER PEOPLE FEARS DEFINE WHO YOU ARE!!!
In case you are doubting your abilities to travel on your own here are
6 reasons to prove to yourself that you can:
YOU ARE MANAGING YOUR DIABETES ALREADY
YOU CAN TAKE UP TO 6 MONTHS OF SUPPLY WITH YOU AT ONCE
JET LAGS ARE MANAGEABLE
HEALTHY FOOD IS AVAILABLE ALMOST EVERYWHERE
YOU, DON T, HAVE TO GO FAR AND FOR TOO LONG, START SMALL GO BIGGER.
IF I DID IT SO CAN YOU
SO WHY NOT?
When I started thinking about moving to Australia with diabetes I wasn’t really sure how to do it. To be honest I had no clue. I did a LOT of research. As I knew I’d be based in one specific area, I took 6 months of diabetes supplies with me.
SECURITY STOPPED ME AT THE AIRPORT!
My suitcase and my handbag were full of diabetes supplies.
Security stopped me at the airport and despite my protests and a doctor’s letter removed all of the ice bags from my handbag, leaving my insulin at ambient temperature. I wasn’t able to give it to the staff so I had to find a solution quickly as I was about to embark on a 24-hour journey.
I ended up using the ice cream from the airplane meal and putting it in my cooler bag. 24 hours later and very happy to have arrived in my new home, the chocolate ice cream had melted all over the packs but left the insulin fresh and fine.
Drastic changes in temperature are more likely to damage the insulin than keeping it unopened at an ambient temperature. For your information, some airlines can place insulin in the plane fridge, saving you the chocolate cleaning.
DON’T OVERTHINK, MAKE A PLAN.
Parfois, Sometimes we create our own barriers in our head and start worrying and thinking too much. Of course, it is scary to jump into the unknown. That is why it is important to be prepared. If you believe that you can, you will make it. Trust your gut and shift your mindset, YOU CAN DO THIS.
Still unsure? Read below.
Traveling with diabetes: 5 key points
1. It is not as difficult as you think
It is scary, it seems insane, you feel it inside. There is doubt. This is normal, you are stepping out of your comfort zone. Nothing great is easy.
KNOW YOURSELF AND BE PREPARED.
The key to traveling with diabetes is to know yourself and to be organized.
2. You become a master in organization and planning
Traveling safely and confidently with diabetes has a lot to do with organization. After planning your trip, calculating how many supplies you need, getting all the paperwork, planning the meals, facing the security airport, explaining why you need the ice bags, and adapting your doses to the situation, the meals and the jet lags, you literally become a master of organization. You will be able to adapt this to any part of your life, including your workplace.
3. It boosts your confidence
Embarking on this journey is very empowering, as you will learn to overcome obstacles and think outside of the box (think chocolate ice cream!). It will make you connect with your inner-self and realize what you are capable of. The fact that you are taking this step and starting to ask yourself questions is great. Stepping out of the comfort zone opens the door to new opportunities. If you go, I bet you will be proud of yourself. Who would not be?
4. Drastic changes of temperature are affecting insulin more than keeping it at constant room temperature
I was very impressed to find out that insulin is way more resistant than I thought. It withstands temperatures between over 0°C and under 30°C. A higher temperature is not a big deal as long as it is for a short time. My insulin was with me during all my trips.
High fluctuations of temperature should be avoided.
5. You’re literally living your best life
You will grow, develop and discover new cultures. You will experience a feeling of freedom and realize that you are stronger than you think. The fact that you’ve had an experience abroad, something that is out of the ordinary, creates a memory that will last forever.
Do you want to travel but the idea of it makes you feel anxious?
TRAVELING WITH DIABETES has NEVER FELT SO GOOD!
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a physician or other healthcare professional and is not a substitute for the advice of a legally qualified healthcare professional. If you have specific medical questions, please consult your doctor or healthcare professional promptly. Nothing in this article should be construed as an attempt to offer or render medical advice.