Hi Comet - not sure if Bridget will check back here - but I can respond on her behalf with how I handle those "unknown" foods as I travel abit as well (not to exotic places like they are doing though - lucky buggers). Anyway, I just calculate based on my gutt instincts with having had had to do this for many years (diabetic of 41 years).  Usually I'm pretty good with figuring out what the carb count is for the food to be eaten, and go from there with the amount of insulin to cover what I'm eating - and correct along the way incase I haven't given enough.  I also check my BG's more frequently.

Because I'm planning on one day doing a sail across the ocean. The way that I figure I'll be keeping my insulin from becoming "tainted" - is to keep it in a cooler pack.  There are products out there like Frio - that will keeps insulin at a good temp - without any refridgeration.  Also, I find packing my insulin within my clothing, keeps it well insulated from the heat.  Did you know you don't have to store insulin in the fridge? As long as you don't let it go in temps above  86°F /30°C  and keep your vials of insulion away from heat and light,  you should be fine. I've done this for years.  Now, because Bridget is probably staying in places with electricity (on our boat we have limited electricity) - she maybe keeping it from getting warm another way as she is going to be in some hot/humid areas!

I'll send her an email to see if she can respond to your questions tho' - or it you go to the link I provided in my blog above - you should be able to contact her directly (I follow her both in Facebook and Twitter).

Hey Bridget,  Thanks for sharing your & Mark's story.   Two big questions for me-

1. how do you calculate the glycemic index of your food when you probably don't know the ingredients, nor sometimes, can anyone tell you-

2. how do you keep you maintain an untainted supply of insulin while on the move?

Good luck whilst you travel!

Thanks for the post, Anna! We're really keen to connect with diabetics (and non-diabetics bitten by the traveling bug!) from all over the world... So happy to have made contact with you!

We are also more than happy to accept any and all tips and hints on traveling... Thanks!