Yes especially if you carry needles. I have never been asked to produce my letter in a UK airport but was asked in Dalaman, Turkey. I'm pretty sure the check in girl couldn't read it though lol. I got my letter from my diabetic specialist nurse at the hospital rather than the doctor and there was no charge. GPs can charge and it's often around 20 pounds.

I expect you know this but do not put any of your medication in the hold, always keep it in your hand luugage - 2 reasons, it could get lost and you cannot be sure of the temperature in the hold. Always take much more of your medication than you need. Once you have gone through security ask someone who you are travelling with to carry some of your supplies if possible and then should you lose some it wouldn't be so much of a problem.
You can probably replace some medication in Turkey but not all. The one I take is not available there.

Yes, my son is diabetic and I got a letter from the DSN. As JMK has said it's free but you will probably be charged if you ask the doctor. Saying that though I wasn't asked to produce it on either side but it's best to get one just in case.

I also carry a letter and have done for the last 20 years traveling abroad ,never once have i been asked to produce it .If you ask your chemist they will give you a print out of all the medications you carry free of charge ,that in itself is proof that you need them and is also handy if you need any more when you are away .You are better trying to take extra as has been said ,because if you do run out then the pharmacy in Turkey may give you something with a different name which can be a bit worrying.The best thing you can buy when traveling abroad with insulin is a chilled travel wallet which is activated by dipping it into water this will keep your insulin cool for up to 48 hours.

I am also diabetic but have never been asked for a letter or been asked about my insulun pens etc. I suppose I really should take one

Excuse my ignorance what is "the DSN"

stewart

Diabetic Specialist Nurse.

I think it would make sense to carry a letter. At check in they ask you if you are carrying anything sharp so you should disclose you are carrying needles. Usually they don't ask if you have a letter although as I mentioned I was asked to produce it at Dalaman airport. My letter has the hospital heading but it is undated so will last me for ever. It states that I am carrying medication and equipment to treat diabetes and without it my life would be in danger.

Exactly JMK if we never had it and were stopped ,i cannot imagine what we would do. As well as the insulin and pens, i carry a load of other meds for problems related to my diabetes one of which is a class A drug,thats where the print out from your local chemist comes in handy.

Could I just take a prescription with me and show that

You are able to buy most medical goods over the counter in Turkey from an Exzane which is there name for a Pharmacy.All you need to do is take the various Boxes with you to show the phamacist and they will give themto you.If they are not in stock they will arrive one hour later.You will have to pay of course.Pharmacy's in Turkey are not open on Sundays but each one will have a list on the door showing the emergency ones which are open.

Ian

I am taking enough medication, it is the airport security am thinking about, which is why I was thinking would the prescription be enough to prove I needed the medication

There is no telling just what any individual security officer will accept.But one thing is for sure they cannot argue with a letter from your GP or your DSN.You would be far better getting one even for your own peace of mind as it is obvious that it is worrying you .

I just noticed the last few posts. It is the needles that you need to be most concerned about carrying as you must answer yes when they ask you if you are carrying anything sharp. On my last trip back from Dalaman a couple of weeks ago they took the letter from me and had 3 photocopies made, one of which I think was given to the cabin crew. Don't depend on Turkish pharmacies stocking all your drugs. The most important injectable drug I use (not insulin) cannot be bought there at all. Others are different makes possibly generic ones that are not always exactly the same. It really is important that you take more than you need. I think carrying a letter is the best possible thing to do as it explains exactly why you need to carry needles and a prescription does not do that.

You are far better making sure that you have enough medication with you at all times .I am just back from Belek where my five month old grand daughter took a bad tummy upset ,the antibiotic that the doctor prescibed is banned in this country and the doseage he told my daughter to give her was stronger than is safe for an adult never mind a child.