There is also a lot of questions about crossing datelines/timezones and “when do I take my insulin”. Elain Jong’s book, Travel Medicine Manual, has a great table. In summary, a two dose per day schedule, I am assuming is your regime, as a type one diabetic:
Day of departure: take your normal doses AM/PM
First day at new location: 2/3 your normal AM dose
10 hours after morning dose: Test your level of blood glucose, take your normal PM dose and if blood sugar greater than 240, take your remaining 1/3 from the morning dose.
Second day of new location: normal AM/PM doses.
As for insulin availability: I would check with some MD’s in the area about availability and a good place to start is the ISTM (internat society of trav med)list of clinics and/or the IAMAT (internat assoc for medical assist for travelers). Find who is a health care provider in the area and e-mail them about what type of insulin you use and if it is available. Also inquire about purchasing needles and test strips for your meter. Some places need a doctor’s script to sell needles.
I also like to tell people about this site: InsulinCase.com for carrying your insulin and keeping it cold, while traveling.
Hello Adventure Doc, only recently found your site and am enjoying working my way through. I’m Type 1 Diabetic myself and have put together a travel guide to help fellow travellers with my condition, its quite large but its comprehensive.. Hope it can be of help to others with this condition
http://diabetictravelinsurance.com/diabetic-travel-advice