Denmark is a country full of surprises, especially due to its range of spectacular theme parks, which include Tivoli Gardens and Dyrehavsbakken.
Otherwise, Denmark possesses stunning architecture in the form of Rosenborg Castle, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek and The Old Town.
Around 150,000 British nationals visit Denmark each year, which can be accessed from the United Kingdom by airplane or slightly more substantial journeys by either ferry or car.
Getting to Denmark
Flights from Manchester to Copenhagen can take less than two hours, if you find the right airline, but average times travel times are around four hours, depending on the length of your stops.
Denmark can be ventured to by ferry, as well, with travel from Hull to Copenhagen taking ever just so slightly over a day. This trip can also be achieved by car at a travel time of around 18 hours.
Medical routines
If you are driving to Denmark, and you are susceptible to hypoglycemia, frequent blood tests should be taken to ensure your blood sugar is at a safe level to drive.
If you are unsure as to how to adapt your diabetes management while travelling to Denmark then you should discuss a plan with your diabetic specialist.
Time difference
The time difference in Denmark is one hour ahead of British Summer Time and two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
The average climate of Denmark is ever so slightly colder than that of the United Kingdom, with cold winters and summer temperatures of around 16°C. Generally, there will no need for travellers with diabetes to alter their medication doses due to the Danish climate.
Currency
The Danish Krone is the currency of Denmark. Money can be easily collected from ATMs, while most major credit and debit cards are accepted at shops, hotels and restaurants.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Denmark, however rabies is present in bats in Denmark, so it is advised for those planning activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites to receive a rabies vaccine.
If you believe you may require this vaccine then it is advised to consult your doctor eight weeks before travelling which should allow enough time for you to receive it.
Otherwise, the opportunity should be taken to ensure existing vaccinations such as your yearly flu jab and those against polio and tetanus are also up to date.
Have you got a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
Denmark is amongst the European countries that allow you to receive state healthcare either at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. It will cover you for medical treatment until you return to the UK.
It is best to apply for an EHIC card directly through the NHS. Your card will usually arrive within seven days if you have applied through the NHS, but it is best to apply two weeks in advance to allow for any delays.
Ensuring access to medication
Medication is available in Denmark, but payment is required from a pharmacy, for which the Norwegian translation is ‘Apotek’. However, possessing an EHIC card allows you to receive treatment at a lesser cost and this money can be recouped when you get back into the UK.
The vast majority of pharmacies in Denmark are open 0930-1730 on weekdays and 0930-1400 on Saturdays. There are also 24-hour pharmacies where medicine can be purchased outside of these hours.
The emergency services number to be called in Denmark is 112. An ambulance is still translated as “ambulance” in Danish.
Blood and urine testing kits are available from many pharmacies in Denmark, however, it is advisable to contact the manufacturing company of your medication prior to leaving the UK to find out what is available in Denmark if your medication gets lost, stolen or damaged.
Insulin
You should note which syringes are available in Denmark, with U-100 syringes the most commonly used.
The vast majority of insulin in the UK is U-100 insulin. If you need to take a different strength of insulin , say in an emergency, it’s important that you use the correct device and syringes for that insulin.
For example, you would use a U-40 syringe for U-40 insulin. You will need to work with a doctor getting the right dose if you’re using a different form of insulin.
Diabetes associations
It is important to note the diabetes associations in the country you are travelling to in case of an emergency.
The one diabetic association of Denmark is Diabetesforeninge, which has been a member of the International Diabetes Federation since 1950. The address is:
- Diabetesforeninge,
Rytterkaserner 1,
5000 Ödense C,
Denmark,
Tel: +45-6612-9006
Email: [email protected]
Questions
- How is blood glucose measured in Denmark? Blood glucose levels are measured in mmol/l, as they are in the UK
- What language is spoken in Denmark? Danish, although most locals have a very good understanding of English and speak it very well
- Will I need an international driving license when driving in Denmark? No
- If I want to hire a vehicle during my visit, will I face any form of discrimination? No
- What sugar free drinks are available in Denmark? All diet drinks that are available in the UK
