Diabetes Talking

Question:

Hi, I want to go to India in December and would like to know from other diabetics who have already been there (esp. in Pune) what an insulin-dependent diabetic should observe and how one can best prepare oneself for this trip. Thanks in advance for your advice. Sabine

Response:

Hello Sabine, Never been to Pune, but to other parts of India, number of times. Insuline is readily available at all big places, surely at Pune, although not all the types you are used to.  The needles are not the types you get in Europe, they are much thicker. Take enough insulin and needles along with you. Injecting yourself in public places can be terrible, the toilets at restaurants, airports, railway/bus stations are very dirty. Planning your travel is therefore very important. Indians might not like you injecting yourself in public. If you are staying in a hotel, be careful with the room refrigerators to store your insulin. They may not have good temperature control.  Even if you stay with your friends, ensure that you personally store your stuff in their refrigerator in the right shelf. During my last visit, the kitchen maid had moved my insulin stock to the freezer compartment, with all the consequences. Carry some sweet stuff all the time with you, the weather or long walks might compel you to take action. Explain your state to friends who are with you. They are usually very helpful. If unfortunately you need doctor’s help, they are friendly and well informed, especially in big places. Indian doctors, however, are not as strict as their European counterparts in controlling the sugar levels.  But with your meter and strips, you can control yourself. Enjoy your visit. Prabhu – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I want to go to India in December and would like to know from other diabetics who have already been there (esp. in Pune) what an insulin-dependent diabetic should observe and how one can best prepare oneself for this trip. Thanks in advance for your advice. Sabine

Response: