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Trin Glwcos Gwaed Isel : Therai Pen Inswlin

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Trin Glwcos Gwaed Isel : Therapi Pen Inswlin

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Trin Glwcos Gwaed Isel : Therapi Pen Inswlin

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Sut i drin glwcos geaed isel ar pympiau insulin dolen gaeedig hybrid

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Sut i drin glwcos gwaed isel ar pympiau insulin dolen gaeedig hybrid

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Sut i drin glwcos gwaed isel ar pympiau insulin dolen gaeedig hybrid

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Welcome to our Carbohydrate Counting page. Here you'll find films and resources to help with counting the carbohydrates in the food that you eat.

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A series of simple, scrumptious, carb-counted recipes that you can easily create at home.

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Carbohydrate values for low carbohydrate snacks

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What is Type 1 diabetes?  A children's guide | Diabetes UK

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Welcome to DigiBete, a place to help young people, families and communities to manage Type 1 Diabetes. DigiBete is a video platform and app, and is a one-stop-shop for young people's diabetes management. It is a social enterprise funded by NHS England with all content clinically approved by the Diabetes Team at Leeds Children's Hospital. We are here for you 24/7 whenever you need us. If there is anything you'd like to see on the site then get in touch with us at: hello@digibete.org

About Us Community Page

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Welcome to DigiBete, a place to help young people, families and communities to manage Type 1 Diabetes.

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(1) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Drivingl (W)

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(1) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Driving (E)

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(3) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Alcohol (W)

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(3) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Alcohol (E)

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(4) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Sex  Relationships (W)

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(4) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Sex  Relationship (E)

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(7) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Travel (W)

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(7) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Travel (E)

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(6) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Work  Uni (W)

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(6) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Work  Uni (E)

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Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

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Type 1 diabetes and Psychology, what to expect?

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Rheolau Diwrnod Salwch : Therapi Pen Inswlin

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Rheolau Diwrnod Salwch : Therapi Pen Inswlin

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Rheolau Diwrnod Salwch : Therapi Pen Inswlin

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SEREN Connect e-booklet - Retinopathy (W)

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(2) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Retinopathy (W)

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Rheol diwrnod salwch pympiau insulin dolen gaeedig hybrid

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Rheol diwrnod salwch pympiau insulin dolen gaeedig hybrid

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Rheol diwrnod salwch pympiau insulin dolen gaeedig hybrid

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(2) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Retinopathy (E)

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(5) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Neuropathy (W)

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(5) SEREN Connect e-booklet - Neuropathy (E)

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Bilingual Cymraeg - SEREN Connect Booklet - WebReady - Kidney Health (Nephropathy) - 2022

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Bilingual English - SEREN Connect Booklet - WebReady - Kidney Health (Nephropathy) - 2022

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Information for 11-18 year olds on confidence and self-esteem

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Are you struggling with how you feel about yourself? Our information will help you understand why and give you tips to build your confidence and self-esteem.

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What is body image?

Body image is how we think and feel about ourselves physically, and how we believe others see us.

When we talk about body image, there are lots of ways we can think about our body and the way we look. You might find that there are times when you like your body, or parts of your body, and times when you struggle with how you look.

Instagram artwork by @allbodiesart. On top of a light green square it reads in capitals: 'My body is good', with a list in lower case describing how your body is good regardless of your doubts.

Body image is not just about our weight, it can also be things like:

comparing how you look with friends or people you follow on social media

struggling to love and accept your body

feeling as though your body shape is not represented in the media

hiding your body because you feel ashamed by it

struggling to find clothes for your body, particularly if you have a physical disability

feeling misunderstood about your body when people make assumptions about things like why you might need a wheelchair

feeling like you are not attractive enough

birthmarks, surgery scars or acne affecting how you feel about how you look

feeling as though your body does not match your gender. For information on this, have a look at our page on gender and mental health

Artwork credit: @jen.s. The artwork depicts text in red, yellow, green and blue which reads: 'we are all born beautiful'. The word 'beautiful' has lines around it to emphasise the word.

These thoughts about how we look are often influenced by things going on around us. It can be what we see every day on social media, what the characters we see on TV look like, or seeing adverts about 'improving how you look'. All of this can contribute to how we feel about our body.

Other influences might be:

the media promoting one type of body as 'fit and healthy' with little to no representation of different bodies

comments from friends or family about your body

social media promoting what should be the 'perfect body' image

clothes limited to fit certain body types

adverts, health campaigns or lessons at school on what is a ' healthy body'

If you feel that you are comparing your body with things you see every day, you are not alone. Lots of us are influenced by the things around us, which can impact our mental health.

The world is full of a spectrum of shapes and sizes. And we should all be represented in the media because unless we see this, it's almost like it doesn't exist.

Jada Sezer, YoungMinds ambassador

How can body image affect my mental health?

Text on a yellow background with the words 'struggle' and 'body image' highlighted in blue, the whole text reads: 'Men struggle with body image too'.

If you are having these thoughts and feelings about how you look, you might be struggling with your body image. You may find everyday tasks like eating, getting dressed or going out with friends becoming more difficult.

This can be at any point in your life or continuously throughout your life, but it is common to have these thoughts when you are going through puberty. During puberty, your body releases hormones which makes you more aware of how you look, and more aware of other people's bodies. These changes happen to everyone, and can sometimes make you feel out of control or anxious.

It can lead to feelings of:

Body dysmorphic disorder is when you constantly worry about flaws in your appearance, focus on specific areas of your body and compare yourself a lot to others.

Sometimes when you're struggling with your body image, you might change your eating habits as this can make you feel like you are in more control of how you look. This can be things like changing what you eat, how much and how often you are eating. If you are finding that your eating habits or relationship with food is taking over your life, you might be struggling with an eating problem.

We all worry about how we look at times during our lives and that's completely normal. If you are experiencing any of the above, know that there are people who can help you get through this. Things can get better.

Show/hide caption

Instagram artwork by @teabag.cartoon. There are cartoon people of all different shapes, sizes and colours holding hands and standing next to each other. Text above them reads, 'we need to learn to respect every body.'

It is completely normal to feel insecure about your body, and the majority of us will experience this at some point in our lives.

What to do if you're worried about how you look

It's important to remember that there isn't a single type of beauty - everyone sees it differently. And there simply isn't a right or a wrong way to look. But if you're struggling, here are some things you can do:

Our Activists share their experiences

If you feel unable to cope, or particularly worried about one part of your body, talk to your GP about how you're feeling. They can listen, tell you about local services and support groups, or they may suggest specific treatment for the way you're feeling.

Growing up, I was bullied a lot. I always stood out from the crowd and I hated that element about myself because I thought that if no one could accept and love me for who I am, then I couldn't either.

I hated the way I looked. I hated everything about myself, and because of this, I know exactly what it's like to hate the body you were born in. And this was the darkest time of my life.

Body positivity

Body positivity is a movement to accept all bodies no matter what type, shape or size. It promotes seeing different bodies on things like social media to encourage us to accept our body and the way we look. If you are struggling with your body image, body positivity can help you feel better about yourself. By thinking positively about how you look, you can feel more comfortable and confident.

Changing the way we think about our body and how we look can take time. It can feel difficult on some days more than others. That's okay. Accepting your body is a process. Our Activists share how a positive body image can help you feel better about yourself:

How you can support a friend struggling with body image

A hand-drawn person in a blue top and blue trousers stands in front of a mirror smiling. To the right of the person there are four speech bubbles. They read: 'thank you eyes for helping me see, thank you lips for helping me talk, thank you hips for helping me move, thank you legs for helping me walk.'

If you have a friend or family member who is struggling with their body image, here are some ways that your support can help.

Talk to them and encourage them to focus on what they like about themselves and what they can do - not just how they look. Help them to see all their good points and the things you like about them - these can be simple things, like being a good sport, a caring friend or making people laugh.

If you're finding it difficult to know what to say, writing their good points as a list together can be another way to help them. They can keep the list for the days they are struggling as a reminder of all the good things they like about themselves.

Sit with your friend in front of a mirror. Together, thank your body for all the positive things it does. You and your friend might find this strange at first, but by doing this together, you can encourage your friend and show them how to see positives in their body. It can help them to learn to love themselves.

Support your friend to have a positive online space. If you know that your friend is struggling, you could send them a message to let them know they matter and remind your friend how brilliant they are.

If you think they're feeling overwhelmed, encourage them to see their GP for professional help.

Your body is enough, and you are enough, always.

Get help now

If you're struggling with how you feel about the way you look, you're not alone. Here are some services that can really help.

You might also find this helpful

More tips, advice and real stories on what to do if you're struggling with your body image.

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

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Sometimes, we worry about how we look or what our friends think about our body. If you're struggling with body image, here's some advice that can help you.

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Beichiogrwydd a magu plant (Hawdd ei ddeall)

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Beichiogrwydd a magu plant (Hawdd ei ddeall)

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Video on Managing Fussy Eating for School Age Children 

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Video on Managing Fussy Eating for School Age Children 

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Skip to main content

Last reviewed October 2022.

Managing Fussy or Restricted Eating (School Age)

Listen to Community Paediatric Dietitian, Alison Booth discuss why some school age children don't eat well and how you can help to improve their eating. The webinar includes practical tips to try, advice on structuring meals and snacks and also some advice on age-appropriate portions sizes of meals and snacks.

Give Us Feedback

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Managing Fussy or Restricted Eating (School Age) - Webinars on Fussy Eating in Children - patientwebinars.co.uk

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Last reviewed October 2022. Managing Fussy or Restricted Eating (School Age) Listen to Community Paediatric Dietitian, Alison Booth discuss why some school age children don't eat well and how you can help to improve their eating. The webinar includes practical tips to try, advice on structuring meals and snacks and also some advice on age-appropriate portions [...]

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Video on Managing Fussy Eating for Preschool Children

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Video on Managing Fussy Eating for Preschool Children

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Last reviewed March 2025.
Managing Fussy or Restricted Eating (Pre-School)

Listen to Community Paediatric Dietitian's, Alison Booth and Ceri Marchant discuss why some preschool children don't eat well and how you can help to improve their eating. The webinar includes practical tips to try, advice on structuring meals and snacks and also some advice on age-appropriate portions sizes of meals and snacks.

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Click settings, playback speed and adjust to your liking

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Managing Fussy or Restricted Eating (Pre-School) - Webinars on Fussy Eating in Children - patientwebinars.co.uk

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Last reviewed March 2025. Managing Fussy or Restricted Eating (Pre-School) Listen to Community Paediatric Dietitian's, Alison Booth and Ceri Marchant discuss why some preschool children don't eat well and how you can help to improve their eating. The webinar includes practical tips to try, advice on structuring meals and snacks and also some advice on [...]

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Need help with your Dexcom products or have questions about continuous glucose monitoring? Find more information in our frequently asked questions

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Product Support Request

For information about using your Dexcom product, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

If you would like assistance from our Technical Support Team related to your Dexcom product, please provide a detailed description below and a member from our team will be in touch. For questions feel free to call us on 0800 031 57 63 from the UK, 1800 827 603 from Ireland, or 800 21373 from Luxembourg.

For us to assist you in a quick and speedy manner, we advise you to have your sensor LOT number and Transmitter Serial Numbers with you when reporting. This information can be found on the product box, applicator or your app.

All fields marked with an asterisk(*) are required. All the information you provide is sent securely.

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For information about using your Dexcom product, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

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Contact Us: Reach Out for Support and Information | Omnipod UK

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Get 24/7 support and information from our UK Customer Care team for your Omnipod® system.

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Libre sensor reporting form

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Sensor Support Form | United Kingdom | FreeStyle Libre | Abbott

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Need help? Fill in our online sensor support form for Patients from United Kingdom for your FreeStyle Libre 2 or 3 sensor today.

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Get in touch with FreeStyle Libre support for assistance with your diabetes management products. Our dedicated team is here to help with any questions or issues you may have. Contact us via phone, email, or request a callback for prompt and reliable support.

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Customer Care & Helpline - mylife Diabetescare – United Kingdom

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In case questions may arise, our Customer Care Centres will gladly assist you

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FAO; calling all parents of children who experience anxiety or low mood!

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16 or over? experiencing anxiety or low mood? Access this free online therapy to support your mental health!

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Making Diabetes Easier | Air Liquide Healthcare UK

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Air Liquide Healthcare UK is committed to improving quality of life for people with diabetes. Our healthcare teams provide patients and their loved ones with education, support and personalisation of care.

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T2 Digibete

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Welcome to youngtype2.org, a place to help young people up to the age of 25, families and communities learn about and live well with type 2 diabetes. This site has been brought to you by DigiBete, a multi award winning diabetes self management platform.

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Welcome to youngtype2.org, a place to help young people up to the age of 25, families and communities learn about and live well with type 2 diabetes. This site has been brought to you by DigiBete, a multi award winning diabetes self management platform.

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Diabetes UK information

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Has your child recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? Or are you worried they're at risk? We've got all you need to know. We also have a page on young adults with type 2 diabetes.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition where the insulin our pancreas makes can't work properly, or the pancreas can't make enough insulin. This means blood glucose (sugar) levels keep rising.

Type 2 diabetes in children and young adults is known to be a more aggressive form of the condition. If it's left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to permanent damage in the body due to the build-up of sugar in the blood - but it can be managed well. With the right specialist support, it's possible to live well and avoid complications.

What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children?

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop more slowly than type 1 diabetes. A lot of people don't get any symptoms, or don't notice them. But you may notice your child displaying or experiencing some of the more obvious common symptoms below. It's important to talk to your child's GP if you notice any of these.

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.

Genital itching or thrush

Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal

Blurred vision

Learn more about the  symptoms of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes risk factors

Factors such as ethnicity can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes but living with obesity and overweight is thought to be behind the rising number of children with type 2. If your child has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or you're worried they're at risk of developing it, we're here to help.

Simple changes such as keeping active and healthy eating can often make a big difference. A healthy, balanced diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, dairy and incorporates healthy choices from different food groups.

Some factors can increase your child's risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Because the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are not always obvious, it's really important to be aware of these risk factors. They can include:

Living with obesity or overweight

An unhealthy waist size

Ethnicity. You're more at risk if you're of African Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian (Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi) or Chinese descent

Family history For example, if you have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes

Medical history: such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure.

Will it go away?

Type 2 diabetes can't be cured, but some people can go into remission. There's lots of evidence to show that some adults with type 2 who live with overweight or obesity can go into remission by losing a significant amount of weight. But there is not much evidence to show that children and young people who develop the condition can also go into remission. The limited evidence about remission has mainly come from young people who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Type 2 diabetes remission is quite a new area, so more research is needed before we fully understand it in different groups. We don't have enough evidence that remission is permanent. It needs to be maintained and in many cases, blood sugar levels can come back into the diabetes range, which is why it is so important that people continue with their diabetes appointments while in remission. Read about our research in this area.

Complications

Younger people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing diabetes complications as the condition is more aggressive compared to older adults. Complications include heart disease or damage to the kidneys eyes or nerves. These complications can come on more quickly in children and young adults than in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

The risk of developing complications can be reduced by getting support to manage blood sugar levels and trying to keep HbA1c in the target range. Blood pressure, cholesterol and weight are also important in reducing the risk of complications. Also, by attending appointments and checking in with your healthcare team about how to take care of your child's diabetes can reduce the risk of developing complications.

Will they need medication?

If your child is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the usual treatment is metformin, and insulin is also commonly used. Some children over ten years might also have different types of medication prescribed called GLP-1 agonists or SGLT-2 inhibitors if they meet certain criteria.

There is evidence to suggest that children with type 2 diabetes who receive care from specialist paediatric diabetes clinics get better support to manage their diabetes. Sadly, we know not everyone can access one. If you haven't been referred, ask your GP if there's one in your area.

Checking blood sugar levels

Your child's healthcare team will provide information on how and when to check blood sugar levels, what levels to aim for, and how to manage hypos. If they are at risk of hypos
your child might also be eligible for a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or Flash glucose monitor. You can read more information here.

Looking after your emotional health

If you're caring for a child with diabetes, it can be very rewarding, but at times it might also feel overwhelming. It's ok if you feel upset, frightened, or even angry. It's important to make sure you look after yourself and find time to relax. Think about how you can make sure you get enough sleep, and look after your other relationships with your partner, friends or family.
Your child also may struggle with coming to terms with their diagnosis. If you've noticed their mental health is suffering, check out our Emotions and diabetes page for tips on managing stress.

Who should I tell?

If your child has type 2 diabetes, it's a good idea to tell your child's school. They can help support your child to live well with diabetes by encouraging a healthy, balanced diet plus plenty of exercise.

If your child uses insulin, they may need support with this and it's important the school are familiar with the signs of a hypo. Your child may also need to take time out of school to attend appointments so it's important the school are aware of their type 2 diabetes and their individual needs.

Speak to your healthcare team about organising a diabetes education session with your child's school so you and your child's teachers feel confident about managing their condition.

Prevention

Research has shown that there are several risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. These include ethnicity, family history, and weight.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes more fruits and vegetables plus getting active is the best way to prevent type 2 diabetes in adults as well as under-18s.

Evidence suggests that lifestyle changes are easiest to stick to if the whole family gets involved. We've got lots of family-friendly recipes for you to try, and plenty of ideas for getting active with children.

For children with overweight or obesity, changes like these will help them manage their weight. If you're worried about your child developing type 2 diabetes because they aren't very active, they live with overweight or obesity, or have any other risk factors, speak to your GP about getting them support.

See guidelines on physical activity for children on the NHS website.

Diet

We know that when it comes to food, making healthy choices isn't always easy. We've got loads of information and guides to help you eat well. To get you started, have a look at our large selection of meal plans.

There is no such thing as a specific type 2 diabetes diet. What, and how much, you or your child should eat depends on things like how active you are, what you enjoy, and whether you are aiming to manage your weight. However, it's important to remember that a healthy, balanced diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, dairy and includes healthy choices from different food groups.

Thinking about making changes to your family's diet might seem overwhelming. If you're looking for support we can help. Check out our information on eating well with diabetes. It's available to download, or we can send a printed copy straight to your door. You can also ask for a referral from your GP to see a dietitian with your child.

What's next?

If you require more advice or support, or have questions, please don't hesitate to contact our helpline. And get tips from others living with diabetes on our forum.

If you're a young adult who's living with or who is at risk of type 2 diabetes, check out our type 2 diabetes and young adults page.

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Type 2 diabetes in children is serious, but it can be managed. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatments, as well as prevention.

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Eating and Drinking with Type 2 Diabetes

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Eating and Drinking with Type 2 Diabetes

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Here you will find lots of food and drink resources to help you.

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Travelling with diabetes means there are a few more things to think about before you set off. But living with diabetes shouldn't be a barrier to taking trips or holidays at home or abroad.

Plan to take two to three times the amount of insulin or other diabetes medication and equipment you'd normally use. This will give you peace of mind if you have to stay longer for any reason or if there are disruptions.

If you're travelling abroad, a little extra planning can go a long way to help you relax and enjoy yourself. Don't forget your doctor's letter and travel insurance.

Use our tips below to skip to other information you need.

Checklist for people travelling with diabetes

Check your airline's guidelines for people with diabetes

Contact your airline or other operator or look on their website for their guidelines for people living with diabetes. You may need to complete forms in advance, particularly if you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). You can also check health information for the country you're visiting - follow the links on the Foreign travel advice page on the gov.uk website.

Organise medication with your healthcare team

Get extra supplies of medication, device spares, and backup

Ask your healthcare team for prescriptions for extra insulin, other diabetes medication, and if you use devices, extra supplies and manual equipment. Flying with an insulin pump, CGM or Freestyle Libre shouldn't be a problem. But it is sensible to have back up in case of a failure. Expect to take two to three times the amount of medication or supplies you'd usually need.

Get advice on adjusting insulin on long-haul flights

If you are going on a long-haul flight discuss this with your healthcare team. They will advise on any adjustments to your insulin injections or insulin pump - or medication that may be required if you are crossing time zones.

Request a travel letter about your diabetes

In some cases, you may be required to get a letter from your healthcare team stating you have diabetes and that you need to carry medical supplies. The letter should include details about your medication, if for any reason you need to carry medication in containers over 100mls, and any devices that you use.

Please check with the airline before you travel as a letter may be requested by some airlines and other operators and is helpful in the event of an emergency.

It is also advisable to take a copy of a recent prescription with you in case you should need to get supplies whilst away. If you have the NHS app on your mobile phone this also shows your GP record and repeat prescription information.

Download a medical awareness card

If you use a CGM, insulin pump, or Freestyle Libre, and are flying, download a Medical Device Awareness Card (PDF, 71KB) from the City Aviation Authority's website to go with your doctor's letter. The card is not essential, but it may make things easier. You show this to airport security officers with your letter, as it sets out the rules on screening if you wear a medical device.

Check insulin supply in the destination country

Before travelling, find out where you can get supplies of insulin at your destination in case of emergency. Contact your insulin manufacturer before the trip to see if your insulin is supplied in the country you are travelling to.

Insulin manufacturers - contact details

Managing insulin when crossing time zones

Long-haul flights east or west involve crossing time zones. And you may need to adjust your insulin. Eastward travel will shorten the day, and generally mean a temporary reduction in insulin doses, whereas westward travel will extend the day, and possibly increase insulin requirements.

Speak to your healthcare team for advice about adjusting your insulin doses. Have your flight details to hand including your departure time, the length of the flight, and the local time of arrival.

Time zones and tablets

If you take diabetes tablets, you are unlikely to have any particular problems. Very occasionally, it may be necessary to take extra tablets to cover a longer day. Do discuss this with your diabetes care team beforehand.

You may, on occasions, need to leave out one dose of tablets on a short day, when you are travelling on a long west to east journey. Speak to your diabetes care team about this well in advance of the trip.

Crossing time zones and using an insulin pump, CGM or Freestyle Libre

If you are going on a long-haul flight, you may cross different time zones.

When crossing different time zones, you may need to change the time or date on some insulin pumps manually so you get the correct basal insulin dose. Speak with your healthcare provider before you travel to get their advice on which settings to change and when.

If you use an app, the date and time on smartphones should automatically update when travelling across time zones. If you use a Freestyle Libre reader, you will manually need to adjust the time for accurate reports.

Storing insulin

If you're travelling somewhere hot, remember that heat can damage your insulin and stop it from working properly. Insulin damaged by heat may have a brownish colour, and clear insulin may become cloudy. Do not use insulin that looks like this.

When travelling with insulin, it is best to keep it cool by storing it in a hotel fridge (if there is one in your room) or in a cool bag (providing it does not freeze). A variety of cool bags and storage containers are available. If using a cool bag that uses plastic ice blocks, make sure that the insulin does not come into contact with the frozen plastic containers.

Get more information on managing diabetes in hot weather.

Storing insulin in cold climates

Insulin can freeze in very extreme temperatures but cannot be used if it has been frozen, so if you are planning to visit the arctic (or somewhere equally cold) make sure you keep insulin at room temperature or even on you in an inside pocket or pouch close to your body, to ensure it doesn't freeze.

Get more information on managing diabetes in cold weather.

Get travel insurance

If you have diabetes, travel insurance is important. You want peace of mind that any emergency medical costs for your diabetes or any other medical condition is covered.

Make sure that any travel insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, as many don't. It's also really important you ask if they cover coronavirus in case you need treatment while you're away.

You can also check health information for the country you're visiting - see the Foreign travel advice page on the gov.uk website.

UK residents travelling to the EU still have access to emergency and necessary healthcare. (See the guidance on travelling with an existing medical condition if you go to the EU).

However, we still advise that you get travel insurance because free health cover provided by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) doesn't cover certain things like emergency repatriation (if you need to come home) and not all countries give the same level of cover as the NHS.

If you have diabetes and planning a trip, we can help you get coronavirus-covered travel insurance with AllClear Insure My Diabetes.

What to pack in your hand luggage

All diabetes medication

Diabetes supplies - including sensors and other device spares

Diabetes identity card or wrist band

A letter from your doctor about your diabetes and treatment and if you use an insulin pump, CGM or flash glucose monitor.

A prescription sheet

Hypo treatments

Extra snacks in case of delays like nuts, fruit or a sandwich.

Split meds between separate bags if you can, for example, if you're travelling with a partner or friend, in case you lose something.

"Be prepared. I always travel with a backpack full of snacks, medication and everything I need. I don't rely on airport shops being open or other amenities. And when I'm in the mountains, I always have at least three snacks with me." Read Lee's story.

Can I carry insulin in my hand luggage?

Always carry insulin, other diabetes medication, device spares, hypo treatments and other diabetes supplies in hand luggage. It's important to keep insulin in hand luggage as being in the hold can damage it as it's so cold and luggage can be lost.

Sensors or other device spares must go in hand luggage as they can be damaged by hold luggage X-rays.

Medication restrictions at the airport

Carrying a doctor's letter from your GP is requested by some airlines and is helpful to show airport security if there is any confusion.

Current security regulations state that liquid items are only allowed in your hand luggage if they are in containers 100mls or less. There is no restriction on the number of tablets you can take through airport security but they should be mentioned in your doctor's letter.

Flying with an insulin pump, CGM or Freestyle Libre

It's sensible to look up the manufacturer's advice on flying with your particular device.

Insulin pumps are safe for use during air travel and you can continue to use CGM or flash glucose sensors whilst flying. Connect them to the handset or your phone using Bluetooth. They will still work if your phone is on airplane mode.

If you use an insulin pump, be aware that changes in air pressure when flying can change the amount of insulin delivered by the insulin pump. So it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely on flights, especially around take-off and landing.

When you buy your ticket, contact your airline or other operator or look on their website for their guidelines for people living with diabetes. You may need to complete forms in advance, particularly if you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). If you don't do this, in some cases it may cause delay.

If you use a CGM, insulin pump or Freestyle Libre, security staff may ask to see evidence that you need to use one - so you'll need a letter from your GP or healthcare team to say so.

You can also print off a Medical Device Awareness Card (PDF, 71KB) from the Civil Aviation Authority website to go with your letter. This sets out screening advice for you (the passenger) and the security officer carrying out the checks.

You should also speak to your diabetes team before you go. They can give your more advice about travelling with diabetes on planes. And should you need to remove your pump for any reason, they can provide you with any extra equipment like insulin pens and help plan your doses throughout your journey.

"Since I've been using the Dexcom CGM I've been surfing, I've been on solo holidays, I've been abroad. I've done all the things I wasn't sure I'd be able to do when I first got diagnosed." Georgia.

Can CGMs, insulin pumps and Freestyle Libre sensors go through airport security scanners?

Not all diabetes technology can safely go through security checks at airports. It's important to speak with your healthcare team and look up the manufacturer's security scanning advice for your particular device. We have general guidance below.

Guidance on metal detectors and CGMs and pumps

Most types of CGM/Freestyle Libre sensors and insulin pumps can be taken through the metal detector arches that you walk through.

X-ray luggage scanners, body scanners and CGMS and pumps

Most types of CGM/Freestyle Libre sensors and insulin pumps - and any spare devices or sensors - should not be exposed to x-ray luggage scanners, hold luggage scanners or full body scanners.

If you don't want to remove your CGM/sensor/insulin pump to go through a full body scanner, ask for a "pat down" instead. Please be aware that this may take some time, as a pat down might need to be completed by a specific member of staff, so it may be helpful to factor this into your travel plans and leave plenty of time to go through airport security.

You should never be asked to remove a medical device from your body for screening. And you should be offered alternative methods of screening.

Carrying a Medical Device awareness card (PDF, 71KB) along with your GP's letter reminds you and the security staff of the screening advice for medical devices.

What to eat on the plane

Airlines can provide information on the times of most meals so you can plan your insulin.

It is best to order the standard meal, though this may not supply you with enough carbohydrates if you are on insulin or certain diabetes tablets. Cabin crew are usually able to provide fruit, crackers or rolls.

On long flights, you may need snacks in between meals and at bedtime to prevent blood sugar levels going too low. If you use insulin, monitor your blood sugar levels frequently and be prepared to make changes to your dosage.

Looking after diabetes in hot climates

In hot countries, the biggest health threat is the sun, so keep covered.

Wear clothes that cover and protect your skin and make sure you wear high factor sunscreen. People often miss the backs of their hands and necks, so make sure you keep these covered and protected with sunscreen.

Sunglasses should also have a UV400 label to make sure they protect your eyes.

Take particular care of your feet if you have neuropathy which is numbness in your feet. This can mean you're not aware skin is burning so protect them from the sun with socks or sunscreen. Make sure you wear well-fitting sandals on the beach, so they don't burn on the hot sand.

Sunbathing and blood sugar levels

Sunbathing on the beach can make your blood sugar levels higher than normal because you're not being very active.

Your insulin may be absorbed more quickly from the injection site in hot weather too, and this increases the risk of hypos. You'll need to monitor your levels more often and be ready to adjust your diet or insulin dose.

Be careful of misleading test results because the extremes of temperature may affect the accuracy of your blood glucose meter.

Find out more about diabetes and hot weather.

Looking after diabetes in cold weather and climates

In cold weather, your insulin may be absorbed more slowly at first, but can then be absorbed suddenly when you warm up later in the day. This can cause you to have a hypo. If your body also uses up more energy staying warm, for example shivering, this can lead to hypos too. So it can be useful to wear layers in colder climates which will both help to keep you warm and allow you to remove clothing if you need to as you warm up.

Hypos are more dangerous in cold conditions. This is because they interfere with your body's attempts to stay warm and increase the risk of hypothermia. So you may need to monitor your levels more often and be ready to adjust your diet or insulin dose if needed.

Guarding against hypos is really important so remember your meter may not be accurate in cold conditions. If you are heading somewhere with extreme cold weather check the meter instructions for temperatures it will be accurate at and keep it wherever possible at room temperature.

If you suffer from poor circulation or have neuropathy, it's particularly important to prevent frostbite, because the numbness in your feet can mean you don't feel the cold. Make sure you check your feet regularly in cold countries and take plenty of layers including spare socks.

Find out more about storing insulin.

Keeping to your diabetes routines when you're away

It's important to remember your routines for managing diabetes when you're abroad. Your job isn't to avoid trying new things or enjoying yourself. It's just to be aware that eating different foods, becoming more or less active or drinking alcohol can all make a difference to your blood sugar levels. So check regularly and keep yourself safe.

"As well as a letter from my GP, my phone comes with a health app that I've put information about my diabetes and medication in. In an emergency, people can access this without having to unlock my phone." Lucy.

If you have a tummy bug or you find yourself unable to eat or drink, follow your sick day rules. If you develop covid symptoms while abroad or during travel, you must review the local regulations and follow local public health guidance if available.

If the worst comes to the worst and you find you need to go to the hospital while away, don't be alarmed if your blood sugar levels are described differently. Some countries measure blood sugar in milligrams per decileter instead of millimoles per litre - take a look at our blood glucose conversion chart below.

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Travelling with diabetes means there are a few more things to think about before you set off. But living with diabetes shouldn't be a barrier to taking trips or holidays at home or abroad. Plan to take two to three times the amount of insulin or other diabetes medication and equipment you'd normally use.

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Julie Kiefer Global traveller, living with type 1

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Travelling with type 1 diabetes can be challenging, but with a bit of planning there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy adventuring at home and abroad.

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SEREN Connect Contraception  Diabetes Leaflet for Adolescents 

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SEREN Connect Contraception  Diabetes Leaflet for Adolescents Final

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Who is your T1D psychology team and what do we do?

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This is the Diabetes Psychology Team YOUNG PERSON FINAL

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Ydych chi erioed wedi meddwl beth mae seicoleg yn ei wneud fel rhan o'ch tîm T1D?"