Planning and preparing to travel overseas can be a very enjoyable, and also a nerve-racking experience, for anyone. What do I need to take? Have I got my passport, my tickets? What if I've forgotten something? Throw diabetes and all its extra baggage into the equation and this planning and preparation needs a bit more attention. 

Last year I spent three months travelling throughout the UK and Europe. I had been planning the trip for about six months, pouring over travel books and talking to the travel agent. Once the trip was organised I seriously started thinking about my diabetes and what implications it would have for my travel plans. I talked to my specialist and to friends with diabetes who have travelled before, and the information and advice that they gave me was more valuable and valid than anything you will find in a book.  

So eventually, armed with enough insulin, strips, pens, letters from doctors, etc. to last a lifetime, I was on my way to the airport where I encountered my first problem. When I checked in, the girl said that I had ordered a 'diabetic meal' (I had specifically told my travel agent I did not want a 'diabetic meal', but she ordered one for me anyway). After explaining the problem to here and being asked, "Well are you a diabetic or not" and "Are you sure?", the problem was eventually solved. Once on the plane, I asked for Diet Coke and was given Coke. I asked the steward for Diet Coke again, explaining that I was a diabetic. "You haven't ordered a diabetic meal", came the reply, and it all started again. 

I can luckily say that these were the only two (minor) problems I had with my diabetes for the whole trip. But I will warn you to watch out for diet drinks in Switzerland and Germany - some of them have the fat, not the sugar, removed, so you can imagine what a can of that will do for your BSL. 

While travelling, I did learn the importance of knowing as much about your diabetes as you can. Whilst on tour, another diabetic got the dreaded 'bus bug' that went around. As everyone else recovered, he became sicker. He had been diagnosed two years ago, had never seen a specialist (only his GP), and was told never to adjust his insulin dose, no matter what. And in any case, he didn't know how. So with a few changes to insulin doses and food intake, he was very grateful and promised to see a specialist once he was back home. 

It really scared me to think that here's this guy, travelling alone, with a chronic illness he really knew nothing about. I'm glad that I was there to help, but I wonder how many other people head off overseas to have their trip ruined by something that could have been prevented by taking a few extra precautions and a little extra planning. 

I had a fantastic time overseas and am saving to go again. You just need to know how to look after yourself and stay well so that you can make the most of you trip and have fun!