We are headed to Italy this summer. I am wondering if there are any pointers that anyone can think of for traveling to another country as we are from the US. We are not new to traveling with diabetes. My son was diagnosed nearly ten years ago and is now 13. We’ve most recently been to Jamaica, so I’m familiar with making sure we have enough supplies and batteries and backup supplies and phone numbers and such.
I’m most curious about availability of things to treat lows. We will come prepared with glucose tabs and some other things. I’m wondering how stocked I should be and how convenient getting fast acting carbs in Europe is. Just looking for any pointers anyone with experience may have. I’m sure there are things I’m not thinking of.
Not sure why you are concerned. They have everything we do, just not the vast variety of brands. Candy, soda, juice… Do you only treat with glucose tabs? The pharmacies will have them.
I hope you got travel insurance or your insurance covers you in Europe. It’s a lot cheaper for medical care but not free for foreigners.
@Lorraine Happy travels soon!
We’ve spent a bit of time traveling and living in Europe. One thing is for sure… Italian families love to pamper their kids with treats and love!
Cups of gelato and little candies are available everywhere! And everything is usually in very small servings or small packets which is perfect. And although not a huge soda fan, mini bottles of soda are very popular and accessible in a pinch. As are Popsicles if near the beach.
And ohhhhh lol! Sugar cubes are Everywhere! Espresso shops every 2 feet!!
That being said, hours and predictability of being"open" can always vary and sometimes many things are closed in August as the entire country seems to hit the beach to take mandatory 3 week vacation!
Pharmacies seem to generally just have pharmaceutical items. … Not really snack and gifty things like a Walgreens.
Not much for food or snacks on trains and in stations as far as I can recall. Also, if renting a car to explore off the beaten path… It’s quite easy for things to turn form city to country very quickly, snacks and treatments less available.
In the beginning of every trip (after the normal "ish sugars of a long flight) I usually need to reduce basal from all of the “unrealized” walking, smaller portions and fresher food.
Now I think I’m just reminiscing…
And… Biggest help!! A few words in Italian will go a zillion miles! The people in Italy who I met Loved, Loved to hear us making the attempt! They will smother you with prosciutto, cheese and sweets!
Oh one more… I did forget my insulin in a fridge in Italy once and did not realize it until needing to do a pump change the next day in London. We went to the ER and were seen, cared for and given several vials of insulin in a matter of hours. And the cost was Zero. No insurance needed. Not certain if the same applies for Italian agencies but I was amazed.
Very helpful, thanks @cynthia_rogers. I have heard that a prescription for insulin is not needed in Italy. Hopefully it won’t be something we need to confirm!
Italy is the best European country for celiacs! We were there in June. We were able to eat gluten free safely. A few restaurants were 100% gluten free! There are lots of small markets that allowed us to grab food on the go when a GF restaurant was not nearby (we did a lot of researching prior to our trip). The Pharmacies do carry a small stash of gluten free foods (as they consider this a medical need), so I assume that diabetic supplies are easily available too. Enjoy your trip!
