Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) explore the world with just as much passion as anyone else. The key to enjoying your trip as much as possible is perfectly summed up by the Scout motto: Be prepared!
If you have T1D, you can go almost anywhere and do almost anything — you just need a solid plan.
Tips for Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes
1. Get to know your destination
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, research your destination in advance. People with diabetes live everywhere, and supplies exist in most places — but you need to know where to find them and how to get medical help if needed. Locate the nearest hospital or clinic that accepts your insurance.
3. Check your health insurance
Make sure you are covered at your destination. If necessary, buy additional travel insurance that includes coverage for pre-existing conditions.
4. Pack smart — and bring extra supplies
Take twice as many diabetes supplies as you think you will need. It is wise to split them between two bags, for example your carry-on and suitcase, in case one gets lost or stolen. However, always keep insulin in your carry-on luggage to protect it from extreme temperatures in the cargo hold.
5. Do not forget to bring:
- An extra glucose meter, sensors and phone chargers
- Batteries
- If you use an insulin pump: extra reservoirs and infusion sets
- Insulin pens or syringes in case your pump fails
- Prescription and over-the-counter medicines for several extra days
- A doctor’s letter in English confirming that you have diabetes and listing the supplies you use
- Dextrose, glucose tablets and glucagon — and make sure your travel companions know how to use glucagon
6. Identify yourself
Carry a medical letter from your doctor and wear a medical ID bracelet or tag. Always keep emergency contact information close at hand.
7. Know your rights at airport security
Before going through security, calmly explain your medical needs to the staff. You are allowed to carry diabetes supplies, including juice or other liquids used to treat low blood sugar. Manufacturers often recommend removing insulin pumps or CGM devices before full-body scanners and avoiding X-ray machines for diabetes devices. You can request a manual inspection instead.
8. Time zones: keep your home time until you land
Diabetes management follows a 24-hour rhythm. Insulin adjustments may be needed when crossing several time zones. Keeping your devices set to your departure time until arrival can make meal dosing easier. After landing, remember to adjust your clocks and devices. Traveling west makes the day longer and may require more insulin; traveling east shortens the day and may require less.
9. Prepare for delays
Pack your carry-on as if delays are guaranteed. Bring enough fast-acting carbohydrates for low blood sugar, plus low-carb snacks and any other essentials you may need during long waits or unexpected changes.
10. Create a travel checklist
Make a list of everything you need and use it for every future trip. Check it once, then check it again before leaving. Consider keeping a small ready-to-go diabetes travel bag with spare supplies — just make sure nothing is expired or missing.
Adapted from: Beyond Type 1.
