World Diabetes Day
Someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 2 minutes. This year, on the 14th November, World Diabetes Day highlights the importance of early diagnosis to prevent medical emergencies and life changing complications. Knowing what signs to look out for is vital to diagnosis. Diabetes UK helps educate and support those living with diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is a serious condition where your blood glucose level is too high because your body cannot make a hormone called insulin.
Insulin is an essential hormone. It allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies.
When you have type 1 diabetes, your body breaks down the carbohydrate in the food and drink you consume and turns it into glucose. When the glucose enters your bloodstream, there is no insulin to allow it into be taken up into the cells of your body to use as fuel. More and more glucose then builds up in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels and cause life threatening emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis.
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
Toilet – going for a wee more often, especially at night.
Thirsty – being constantly thirsty and not being able to quench it.
Tired – being incredibly tired and having no energy.
Thinner – losing weight without trying to, or looking thinner than usual.
The 4Ts are the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes but there are other signs to look out for too. They could include genital itching or thrush, cuts and wounds that take longer to heal, and blurry eyesight.
You’re showing diabetes symptoms: what next?
If you feel very unwell or your symptoms have come on quickly seek an urgent appointment with your GP or call NHS 111. If you have any diabetes symptoms, it is important to contact your GP and ask for a blood test for diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is caused when your body starts to become resistant to insulin, usually when a person is overweight. Your body still breaks down carbohydrate from your food and drink and turns it into glucose. Levels of glucose in your blood rise, and eventually your pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels under control. Blood glucose levels keep rising.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms
Type 2 diabetes develops more slowly than type 1 diabetes. Many people do not have symptoms, or not have realised the significance of symptoms they have. Symptoms can include:
going to the toilet more often, especially at night
feeling more tired
losing weight without trying
genital itching or thrush
cuts and wounds taking longer to heal or frequent skin infections
blurred vision
Preventing type 2 diabetes
Did you know that with the right support, up to halve of type 2 diabetes cases can be delayed of prevented? Diabetes UK further information on how to prevent type 2 diabetes on their website.
Travelling with Diabetes
Pre-travel preparation
Pre-travel preparation is key for any traveller, but for those with long term conditions it is even more vital. With the proper planning there is no reason why those with diabetes cannot travel and have a safe and healthy trip.
· Research your destination and the medical facilities, as access to appropriate health care maybe limited in resource low countries
· Ensure travel plans have been discussed with a travel health adviser and talk to your diabetic team about travel
· Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance
· Understand your blood glucose monitoring. Travel can affect blood glucose control, for example dehydration, stress, illness and jet lag
. The equipment – glucometer and strips can be affected by temperature, altitude or humidity. Blood glucose monitoring should be performed more frequently while on holiday.
· Understand how to self-manage minor ailments and illnesses and take extra precautions to try to prevent infections; management of minor wounds or preventing travellers diarrhoea
· Carry snacks - simple carbohydrates like sweets/ glucose tablets or complex carbohydrates like cereal bars/ biscuits
For those on Insulin·
Insulin should always be protected from varying temperatures, for instance through use of a flask or thermal bag, and should be kept away from direct sunlight. It should remain stable for up to a month when kept at room temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and will deteriorate in warmer temperatures. On aircraft keep insulin and related equipment in hand luggage to prevent freezing in the aircraft hold. Also keep carbohydrates available in case low blood sugar occurs. Split the insulin between bags in case one gets lost or damaged.
· Insulin absorption rates can vary depending on the environment. It is absorbed more quickly in warmer environments and more slowly in colder temperatures. The traveller should always take extra amounts of monitoring equipment and insulin. Global brands can vary so obtaining insulin overseas is discouraged.
· Plan insulin time zone changes - Time Zones and Insulin | Patient Navigator (mydiabetes.com)
· Safe disposal and travelling with sharps- contact airline to confirm rules and requirements for travelling with diabetic equipment and insulin, as well as in the destination country.
During travel
People with diabetes may not be at greater risk from contracting most diseases and infections overseas. If they do become unwell, serious consequences needing hospital treatment are more likely.
· Strict food and water precautions are required and also understanding how to manage travellers diarrhoea is imperative. Blood glucose monitoring should be regularly checked as dehydration and infections affect control.
· Other health risks – Increased chance of urine and fungal infections;
Foot and skin care for people with diabetes is even more important when travelling than when at home.
Travelling to altitude may require special planning.
Diabetes is a very common condition. The team at Aquamarine Health Clinic are here to help people with diabetes travel safely and can get on with enjoying their holiday!
Aquamarine Health Clinic is a specialist Travel Health Clinic based in Plymouth. We offer face to face or online travel consultations and travel vaccinations. We also offer private blood tests and occupational vaccines. Book online or call us on 01752 289 317.
For references and further information
NaTHNaC - Diabetes (travelhealthpro.org.uk)
Travelling with diabetes | Managing your diabetes | Diabetes UK