Traveling with Diabetes Checklist - Everything You Need to Know

First things first, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional and inform them of your travel plans so they can prescribe additional medication and provide general travel safety advice relevant to your condition. In most cases, they might advise you to take two to three times the amount of medication you’d typically need in case you run into travel delays. 

It may also be worth asking for a doctor’s letter outlining your condition, medications and any devices you use, like insulin pumps or Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). Your doctor’s note will be useful when going through airport security if any questions are raised.

Make sure you pack your diabetes medication in your carry-on bag and an extra supply of medication in your hold luggage. Having both means that if any of them become lost, or there are delays in retrieving it, you have a backup. 

When it comes to what to bring, make sure you have the essentials first. This should include:

If you’re flying, this next step is important because some airlines have different rules concerning people traveling with diabetes. These guidelines are typically around bringing your medication and medical supplies onboard, diabetic-friendly meal options, early boarding and other options to make your experience flying safe and comfortable. You can either:

• Check your airline’s website and diabetes guidelines for information
• Or contact your airline directly to ask what their process is or if they have one

It’s also helpful to check the U.S. Department of State’s international travel advice before you travel in case there is any country-specific information about traveling with diabetes medication where you’re headed.

Keeping your insulin at the right temperature is essential for maintaining its effectiveness. This is particularly important when you’re traveling to locations with different climates than what you’re used to. 

Before you jet off, check the expiration dates on your insulin, and when you can, store unopened insulin in the fridge until you’re ready to pack. It’s also worth investing in a reliable travel case or cooling wallet to keep insulin cool while you’re on the move. Do not freeze your insulin, as extremely cold temperatures can make it unusable. 

As we mentioned previously, always carry your insulin in your carry-on bag. This is for a few reasons; namely cargo holds can get too hot or cold, which can damage your medication. Second, if your luggage gets lost or there is a delay to your journey, you won’t have access to your essential medication.

If you’re driving, cycling or are generally on the go, keep your insulin out of direct sunlight. Avoid leaving your insulin in a hot car or near a window seat on a plane.

If you’re crossing time zones, it’s also worth consulting your doctor to adjust your medication timings accordingly. For more helpful tips on traveling with medication, check out our article on Managing Medication on the Go.

You should have access to a mini fridge or something similar in the place you’re staying. If not, keep using your cooling case. If you’re using insulin pens, remember that most can be kept at room temperature (below 77°F / 25°C) for up to 28 days once opened. Be sure to check the specific guidelines for your brand.

This is likely already on your list of things to do, but just in case it isn’t, take some time to explore the typical food and ingredients featured in the food at your travel destination. Having an idea of what food will be served around the region you’re in can help you plan meals that hit your blood sugar requirements. You may also want to seek out some high-carb dishes to enjoy (in moderation)!

Bringing snacks is always encouraged while traveling. Whether you’re going on a hike or a walk around the city, having snacks prepared in case of sudden blood sugar drops is very important. Think about snacks that are low on the glycemic index (GI), so dense wholegrain breads, lentils and most types of fresh fruit. Glucose-friendly options will also work too, so things like protein bars and nuts are worth having with you. 

Having these snacks on hand is great in situations where you’re stuck in traffic, sightseeing or even just a bit unsure about a menu. 

Stick to meals that you know aren’t going to cause you any problems. This might look like plates of non-starchy vegetables mixed with whole grains and lean protein, like chicken or turkey. Balancing meals like this will help you maintain more stable glucose levels.

When trying new foods in a new place, it’s worth tracking what works with you and what doesn’t. Whether it’s making notes on your phone or snapping pictures of meals that you can then log to help you make smarter choices when you’re out and about. 

You’re likely going to do this anyway, as kids can be quite unpredictable, and travel plans can change quickly. Plan to pack double (maybe even more) the amount of diabetes supplies you’d usually need. This includes things like insulin, testing kits, snacks, CGM sensors, pump parts and fast-acting glucose. And be sure to stock up on your kid’s favorite snacks or even a toy that can help them in moments of stress. 

If you can, try to stick to your children’s usual mealtimes, snack schedule and testing routine as much as possible. Again, children can become quite upset if their routines change too much, especially in a new place. Try to keep things as familiar as possible to keep them happy and comfortable. 

Be sure to let airport security know that your child has diabetes and will therefore be carrying medical supplies. A doctor’s note is incredibly helpful here, as it should help explain things quicker and make the security process smoother and less stressful for you and your child. 

Accidents can happen and it’s important that your child is wearing a medical ID bracelet or tag that medical responders can instantly recognize and understand in an emergency. It’s worth learning how to say “my child has diabetes” in the local language or bring a translated card stating this. 

Traveling with diabetes doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. Preparation is the key. Pack the essentials way in advance, or at least make a list of what you need so when it comes to traveling, you know exactly what you need.