Traveling with diabetes can often be worrisome and cause some stress. We've got some tips, tricks, resources, and lists to cover the basics about taking your diabetes, to-go.
Don’t worry…we know you have better things to do than read a deeply involved discussion on the ins-and-outs of managing diabetes while traveling. So whether you are traveling by planes, trains, or automobiles; we’ve broken down 4 easy lists of links with helpful information to have at your fingertips.
(check back often in case we update this in the future!)
What to Pack
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Back-Up glucometers & test strips.
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Logbook App loaded and ready.
(you know you won’t remember all those details in three months when the endocrinologist asks). -
Back-up pump supplies and/or needles.
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Back-up CGM sensors/transmitters.
(lest you have one of the many funny equipment failures discussed and not be prepared). -
EXTRA Insulin and way to keep it at the right temperature (we love these Frio products)!
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Medical Notification Card for showing TSA or other security screeners.
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Letter of Medical Necessity to just make travel a little easier. Here’s a great sample one from dLife.
- All – The – Glucose.
(seriously, just pack it all and in all forms and never be without it no matter where your travels take you.
How to Pack
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Wanna be fancy? Packing cubes are PERFECT for organizing your d-supplies.
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For longer trips, check out this awesome post by author, Heather D. Nelson, on packing her type 1 diabetic kiddo’s SUPPLY suitcase for flying across country.
Where else to get Info
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International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers has great info for finding 24 hour pharmacy’s and ER’s for almost everywhere.
- TSA Website has a vast wealth of information about airline travel.
Precautions to Take
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WEAR YOUR SWAG - Med Alert Equipment is critical and necessary and so stylish there is no excuse to NOT have one. Wear a bracelet, get a customized temporary tattoo, or sew patches on your bags, but make sure you are covered well when traveling.
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HAVE A BUDDY - Try to make sure at least one person travelling with or near you is aware of your Diabetes. Those lows can hit hard and fast and we can use an abundance of caution and still be caught off guard. Be safe, travel with a buddy.
- KNOW YOUR BODY - Travel is fun, but can be dehydrating, exhausting, and invite new foods and with them opportunities for fun new gastrointestinal fun. Listen to your body. If something feels off, take a beat and get checked out. Always better SAFE than sorry!
At the end of the day travel is fun and traveling with diabetes in tow is 100% doable. Just be smart, plan ahead, and SEND US PICTURES! We’d love to see how YOU take diabetes to-go. Post a pic of your supply bags, or your meters in fun new places and tag us!
The mySugr website does not provide medical or legal advice. mySugr blog articles are not scientific articles, but intended for informational purposes only.
Medical or nutritional information on the mySugr website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a physician or health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.