Paraguay features a blend of compelling nature, such as the Saltos del Monday waterfall and Cerro Cora National Park, with fascinating monuments including the National Pantheon of the Heroes and Icono Tower.
Getting to Paraguay
The only means of transport to Paraguay from the United Kingdom is by airplane, which will inevitably see you up in the air for at least a day.
A flight from Birmingham to Asunció, Paraguay’s capital, takes an average of 30 hours depending on your airline.
You should consult your diabetes team prior to leaving to assess how you can best manage your diabetes while flying to Paraguay.
Time difference
The time difference in Paraguay is four hours behind British Summer Time and three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
This may require changes to your diabetes management, but any changes to your medication schedule should be discussed with a diabetes specialist.
Climate
The climate in Paraguay in the summer is much warmer than that of the UK, with average temperatures of around 20°C. However, those travelling between September-May can expect blistering average temperatures of around 30°C all across the country.
Hot temperatures can enhance insulin absorptio, so people taking insulin should check their blood sugars more regularly.
If you are planning any periods of physical activity, you could consider reducing your dosages if you are worried about hypoglycemia.
Currency
The currency used in Paraguay is the Paraguayan Guaraní. Most ATMs accept major international credit and debit cards, although you may be asked to show identification if you are paying for items by card.
Vaccinations
You should seek to visit your doctor no later than two months before departing the UK to assess which vaccinations you may require before entering Paraguay.
The government of Paraguay requires yellow fever vaccination proof if you are travelling from a country where yellow fever is prevalent. Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Paraguay, so it is recommended that all travellers over nine months of age take this vaccine.
Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are also recommended for all travellers, while immunisation for typhoid is recommended for those planning to eat or drink outside of major restaurants and hotels.
The rabies vaccine should also be considered for travellers planning activities that might bring them into contact with bats, who carry rabies in Paraguay.
Ensuring access to medication
UK citizens with diabetes will not be entitled to any free medication services while in Paraguay.
Securing comprehensive medical insurance will be essential in order to obtain even basic treatment.
Diabetic medication is available in Paraguay, but payment will be required from all pharmacies, for which the Spanish translation is “ Farmácia” Blood and urine testing kits are available from pharmacies in Paraguay.
The emergency services telephone number to be called in Paraguay is 131.
Diabetes associations
It is important to note the diabetes associations in the country you are travelling to in case of an emergency.
It is important to note any of the diabetes associations in the country, or countries, that you are travelling to. There are two diabetic associations in Paraguay, the addresses are:
- Fundación Paraguaya de Diabetes, Cerro Cora, Casi Teniente Jara Pastore, 3578 Cerro Cora, Paraguay Tel: +595-21-232220 Email: [email protected]
- Sociedad Paraguaya de Diabetologia, Cerro Cora 795, Brasil y Manuel Dominguez – Oficina 311, Asunción 490 524, Paraguay Tel: +595-21-204601 Email: [email protected]
Questions
- How is blood glucose measured in Paraguay? Unfortunately, we do not have the information of whether blood glucose is measured in mg/dl or mmol/l in Malta.
- What language is spoken in Paraguay? Spanish. It will be greatly beneficial to learn some general phrases to assist in your day-to-day activities as locals may not have the best grasp of English. Learning phrases relating to your diabetes will be essential should you, or a member of your party, require medical assistance.
- Will I need an international driving license when driving in Paraguay? 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 Paraguay? Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi ad Diet Sprite, among others.
