As a person with diabetes who has conquered its problems, you may well be doing a fair amount of travelling both for work and pleasure. The practicalities of travel frequently worry people with diabetes. What if there is a traffic jam? Will I be able to get a meal when I get there? What will I do if the flight is delayed? How do I cope with time zones? What if I am seasick? There are further concerns about driving. Am I fit to drive? What are the legal problems concerned with driving? The message, as usual, is to think about potential problems beforehand and be prepared.

You should carry the following in a robust waterproof bag or wallet:

1.   Your diabetic card with help telephone number

2.   A card in the language of the country or countries you are visiting, explaining that you have diabetes and saying what to do if you have a hypoglycemic attack

3.   Any documents you need for reciprocal health agreements or health insurance

4.   Blood and/or urine glucose testing kit

5.   Ketone testing kit

6.   Insulin (two bottles of each type) – or pen cartridges

7.   Disposable syringes and needles – or your insulin pen

8.   Foil-wrapped alcohol swabs

9.   Oral hypoglycemic pills

10.   Paper tissues

11.   Baby wipes or other pre-packed skin cleaners

12.   Motion sickness pills

13.   First aid kit

14.   Something to put sharps into

15.   Some glucose and hard-boiled glucose candy.

This will all fit into a small ski or bum bag. You should also carry a leak-proof bottle of plain water, cans or cartons of fruit juice, and snacks.

The diabetes travel pack should be with you in a bum bag or shoulder bag and be carried all the time. You will also need to take food for twice the number of meals you expect to need. A further supply of insulin or pills should be carried in other luggage in case you lose your diabetes travel pack. Your travelling companion could carry the spare supply if you wish, and in any case should always carry glucose. It is also a good idea for your companion to carry glucagon. Novo Nordisk (UK) makes an ‘all-in-one-pack’ including glucagon, syringe and needle.

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The amount of equipment you need varies depending on where you are planning to camp, the time of year, how far you have to carry the gear and how long you intend to stay there. Again, your national mountaineering council can advise you.

You will need your diabetes travel pack and plenty of food. Do your calculations properly beforehand, and as with all expeditions, take twice as much food as you expect to eat because some may get spoiled, or you may get stuck somewhere. Make sure that you have a good supply of clean water. Remember that camp cooking takes longer than home cooking and it is difficult to predict when a meal will be ready. Either have a cold first course, for example, bread and margarine, or do not take your insulin until your food is ready to eat.

Diabetic campers should not sleep alone. You will probably be combining camping with an active vacation and will therefore be at risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia. The group leader should check all the tents after supper to make sure that everyone has eaten and is all right.

Always bear these points in mind:

•   People with diabetes can enjoy an OB mountain course without their diabetes getting in their way and without losing control of their blood glucose levels.

•   If you want to try new outdoor activities, learn from properly qualified instructors.

•   When planning new activities assume that the worst will happen and then plan how to prevent it or cope with it if it happens (it very rarely does).

•   Always obey safety rules absolutely.

•   Use the right equipment, properly maintained, and the right clothing.

•   Seek expert local advice.

•   Make certain that you will not go hypoglycemic. Always carry glucose on your person where it cannot get lost and can be reached with one hand in any position. Reduce your insulin or pills and increase your food. Always carry twice the amount of food you think you will need as well as your travel pack.

Do not do it alone.

Weigh the benefits and pleasures of a planned activity against the risks.

Have fun!

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