Needles

If you use needles to inject medicine, for conditions like diabetes for example, it’s your responsibility to ensure that they’re disposed of safely.

You shouldn’t dispose of needles in a general waste bin as they can be dangerous and carry blood-borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis.

They need to be disposed of in a sharps bin, which is a specially designed box with a secure lid that you can get on prescription from your GP or pharmacist.

Some local councils or hospitals may be able to accept your full sharps bin but always check beforehand.

One of the best places to inject insulin is in your belly as it can absorb the insulin quicker and more consistently; this should be a couple of centimetres from the belly button.

But you can also inject it at the front of the thighs, the back of the upper arms, and the top of the buttocks if you’re unable to get to your belly.

You shouldn’t inject at the exact same site each time as it can cause bumps or pits in the skin.

Insulin needles are only intended for single-use and you might be wondering why.

It’s obvious why you can’t share needles with others, but you might be wondering if you can reuse your own needle - after all, how can you infect yourself?

When you inject the needle into your skin, your natural bacteria will stick onto the needle’s surface.

The reuse of needles can increase the risk of contaminating yourself with more harmful bacteria, so it’s important to only use the needle once, then dispose of it safely into a sharps bin.

Yes, but you may need a letter from your doctor to explain why you need insulin and syringes in your hand luggage.

The security at the airport is strict, and if you’re having trouble, ask to speak to somebody senior - travelling with insulin shouldn’t be a problem for those with diabetes.

You should make sure to put your equipment into your hand luggage and not the hold as it can cause the baggage to freeze, which will damage your insulin.