Travelling with Type 1 Diabetes

With careful planning, travelling with Type 1 Diabetes is not only possible but can also be enjoyable. Good planning includes talking to your health care provider and doing a little research before leaving, careful packing, and knowing about airport security

Planning is Crucial

Travelling to new places can get you out of your normal routine—that’s a big part of the fun. Delayed meals, unfamiliar food, and being more active than usual, combined with being in different time zones can all disrupt diabetes management. Plan ahead so you can count on more fun and less worry both on the way and when you get to your destination.

 

Before You Leave

Good planning includes talking to your health care provider and doing a little research before leaving, careful packing, and knowing about airport security if you are planning to fly.

• Talk to your doctor about your travel plans.
• If you’re on insulin, ask about getting a prescription for a glucagon kit.
• Make sure your immunizations, your immunization record and your written health record are up to date, especially if travelling abroad.
• Take a copy of the immunization record and health report if needed.
• Make sure that all medications you carry and all diabetes supplies have their prescription labels on them. If you use a daily or weekly medication reminder pack, take the original prescription labels with you.
• Refill any prescriptions that may expire during your travel. Outside of the U.S., some medications, such as insulin, are sold in different strengths.
• Keep your health insurance card on you at all times. Review health insurance policy for travel information. Is your travel destination in your provider network? If not, learn what you have to do to have insurance coverage out of network.
• For insulin pump or continuous glucose monitoring sensor users, check the insulin pump manufacturer’s website or call their customer service phone number for information about travelling.
• Just in case, locate pharmacies and clinics close to where you’re staying.
• Get a medical ID bracelet that states you have diabetes and any other health conditions.
• Get travel insurance in case you miss your flight or need medical care.

If Travelling by Plane

• Go to the Transportation Security Administration website and learn about any rules for travelling with diabetes supplies and equipment. Look for information about using a blood glucose meter, insulin pump or personal continuous glucose monitor on a plane.
• Check the Centre for Disease Control website to see if you need any immunizations for countries outside of the U.S.
• Bring enough supplies and medications to last longer than the length of your trip. You will need extras if you have travel delays or lose some supplies.
• Keep supplies, including insulin, in a carry-on bag. To prevent freezing, don’t put your insulin in checked baggage. Bring food to help prevent low blood sugar in a case you miss a meal. Bring treatment for low blood sugar.
• Give yourself extra time in airports. Some security screeners don’t know about insulin delivery mechanisms and blood glucose monitoring, so delays can happen.
• If you’re wearing an insulin pump and you have diabetes supplies with you, tell the security staff that you have diabetes. If the screeners or other security staff questions you, ask to speak with a supervisor.
• Don’t send your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor through X-ray machines. Disconnect them if you go through an airport body scanner. You may request a pat-down screening if you don’t want to remove or can’t remove your device.
• Get up and walk the aisle every hour or so to prevent blood clots(diabetics are at much higher risk).

Travelling by Car

If travelling with a child diabetic ensure they are properly secured in a car seat according to your countries regulations.

If you’re driving, pack a cooler with healthy foods and plenty of water to drink.

Don’t store insulin or diabetes medicine in direct sunlight or a hot car; keep them in the cooler too. Don’t put insulin directly on ice or a gel pack.

Heat can also damage your blood sugar monitor, insulin pump, and other diabetes equipment. Don’t leave them in a hot car, by a pool, in direct sunlight, or on the beach. The same goes for supplies such as test strips.

Stop and get out of the car and walk around every hour or two to prevent blood clots (diabetics are at higher risk).

Set an alarm on your phone for taking your meds or checking glucose if you’re travelling across time zones

While Travelling

Monitor your blood glucose more often than you usually do. If you’re not sure how often, ask your health care provider before you travel.

Stay as close to your usual schedule as much as possible. Check the time settings on your meter and pump. Change if needed.

During travel and while at your location, don’t leave insulin and temperature-sensitive supplies in a car or any place that could have temperature changes. Check with the manufacturer of your supplies for any specific warnings about temperature.

Arrive at Destination

Your blood sugar may be out of your target range at first, but your body should adjust in a few days. Check your blood sugar often and treat highs or lows as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator.

If you’re going to be more active than usual, check your blood sugar before and after and make adjustments to food, activity, and insulin as needed.

Food is a huge highlight (and temptation!) on a cruise. Avoid the giant buffet, and instead, order off the spa menu (healthier choices) or low-carb menu (most ships have one) or order something tasty that fits in your meal plan from the 24-hour room service.

Don’t overdo physical activity during the heat of the day. Avoid getting a sunburn and don’t go barefoot, not even on the beach.

High temperatures can change how your body uses insulin. You may need to test your blood sugar more often and adjust your insulin dose and what you eat and drink. 

You may not be able to find everything you need to manage your diabetes away from home, especially in another country. Learn some useful phrases, such as “I have diabetes” and “where is the nearest pharmacy?”

If your vacation is in the great outdoors, bring wet wipes so you can clean your hands before you check your blood sugar.

 

Conclusion

Diabetes can make everyday life and travel more challenging, but it doesn’t have to keep you close to home. The more you plan, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy all the exciting experiences of your trip. So go ahead, plan a trip and make beautiful memories with your Type 1 Diabetic grand-child.

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