Insulin-Dependent Diabetes
 

Didn't want to add this to my other thread. I'm a Diabetic on the Insulin pump. I've got presciptions for everything related to the diabetes & the pump, and I've taken the first of the 3 Hep A/Hep B shots. I've also got prescriptions for Malarone (anti-Malaria pills), Cipro & Augmentin (broad-spectrum antibiotics) & Vivotif Ty21A (anti-typhoid fever). I'm bringing pepto-bismol, immodium, etc.

Anything I'm forgetting? Any specific concerns related to the diabetes?

Thanks.

Can I assume that you are up to date on your routine vaccines? Do make sure that you are. My favorite website from travel medicine info is www.cdc.gov/travel.

I'm also assuming that you know that the only places you've talked about going where you would need anti-malarials are Siem Reap and Luang Prabang. You don't need them for BKK or CM.

Any-it looks like you're well prepared-as a diabetic, you do need to consult with your doctor on the time differences and how that might affect your blood sugar/insulin intake. You have your prescriptions, there will be no problem flying -this issue has come up a number of times on the Europe board-it is absolutely permitted to take syringes/insulin on board-indeed, it is life essential.

Nothing like waiting 'til the last minute, eh? Just checked the CDC site again, and I'm ok for everything EXCEPT the boosters for measles and polio. None of the MD's I've spoken with have suggested obtaining these shots (but, they're not travel specialists, either). So...do I start the immunization hunt again?

Where are you going? Happy Travels!

Amy, there have not been reports of polio from this part of the world (both India and parts of Africa have had cases in the last year). Measles is higher risk, both because it occurs in all of the developing world and because it's so contagious. Your primary care doc should be able to give you both of these vaccines. Print out the cdc recommendations and take them with you.

Guenmai: Thailand (Bangkok & Chiang Mai) and either Luang Prabang or Angkor Wat. Thanks!

Kathie: I think I'm being overly cautious. But, I recall getting the MMR booster about 15 or so years ago. MD thinks that's all I need.

Spygirl: I've had no problems in Europe carrying syringes, etc., w/me. Didn't know if the same would apply to SE Asia, especially as pertains to the Insulin pump. We'll see.

Amy, re-read what the cdc says about MMR. I believe if you had a booster as an adult you're covered.

I'm also a diabetic, doing three weeks in Vietnam and Thailand. In my view you are going way over the top. The only jab I've taken is Hep-A to top it up to 10 years. Don't you have concerns about side effects associated with this amount of drug combination ?

SidB: I may be "going way over the top" but I don't think it hurts to be as prepared as possible. Hep A & B are given concurrently and I'll be in either Laos or Cambodia, where there are possible malaria issues. I see no harm in travelling with broad spectrum antibiotics (you never know when you're going to get hit w/a particularly virulent stomach bug) or OTC drugs. Vivotif may be the one overkill drug, but hey, I've got a prescription drug plan so the cost is minimal.

MDs assure me that there are no drug interactions or contra-indications with either diabetes or any of the other meds I'm taking.

amy ---go and be prepared, that is our motto....
i am type 2 diabetic, no needles....i do have a letter from my doctor which i carry when i travel that explains my condition and why i have lanclets, etc. this is primarily for the airlines....i have never needed it..we also take our meds in clearly marked bottles...

Sid, The vaccines should have no impact on diabetes nor are they problematic for drug interactions. Some vaccines you should have even if you are staying at home, like tetanus. And Hep A is wise no matter where you are going. Vivotif is a tyhpoid vaccine, and it is wise to have typhoid vaccine before traveling to any tropical country. Typhoid is a food and water borne illness (as is Hep A) and so it is wise to have the vaccine. Also, there is multi-drug resistant strains of typhoid in SE Asia, so having the vaccine is your best protection.

Amyash - please read up on possible side effects from antibiotics etc, and know that prevention of stomach bugs is better than cure. Do you have fluid replacement sachet, which you use BEFORE antibiotics for bugs - once you've adjusted, you may not need them. Cipro, which I presume is ciprofloxin, can affect the tendons in your heels,(cease treatment at first sign of tendon inflammation or pain), poor activity against streptococci etc amoxycillin (in Augmentin) can have lots of side effects too, and should always be taken with meals to prevent stomach upset. Have you taken them at home to know you are not allergic? Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.

Only tip-be sure to keep the bottles of insulin (assuming they are glass) wrapped well. A family member traveling in Eastern Europe packed hers and they broke. While insulin was available in Prague, she could never find the accurate dosage and was a little loopy for a period of her trip.

Carrabella: I've taken both antibiotics before...have never had a problem w/either. The antibiotics will be last resort. I just want to be prepared.

Kikahead: Good point about wrapping the vials of insulin. I'm bringing a few extra vials to be on the safe side, and I think that I'll bubble wrap all.