Diabetes shouldn’t stop you from traveling and living your life. Before you plan a big trip, talk with your health care provider. You’ll want to find out how you should manage your medication timing or dosages so you can enjoy your travel and keep your condition well controlled.
It’s especially important to talk to your doctor for diabetes travel tips if you use insulin, have type 1 diabetes, have recent blood sugar changes or are traveling internationally.
When you’re planning to travel with diabetes
Before your trip, you should:
- Make sure your vaccines, refills and routine care are up to date
- Find out where you could get medical care at your destination
- Check your travel insurance or health coverage if you’re traveling out of state or internationally
Pack more diabetes supplies than you think you need
Rebecca Rosenberg, DO, a diabetes specialist with Banner Health, recommends packing at least three times what you think you may need. That way, you’re covered in case of delays, lost items, technology failure or other unexpected events.
“People with diabetes should not pack any medications or medical supplies in their checked baggage. Most airlines allow an additional ‘medical bag’ that does not count towards your personal item or carry on limitations,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
You may need to bring:
- Glucose meter and test strips
- Continuous glucose monitor supplies
- Insulin pump supplies
- Insulin, syringes, pens or needles, including back-ups if you use a pump
- Oral medications or injectables
- Glucose tablets or fast-acting carbs
- Snacks with protein and carbs
- Ketone strips
- Sharps container or safe disposal plan
- Medical ID
- Medication list and provider contact information
Be sure to request early refills if you need them to cover the time when you’re traveling. And keep your supplies in their original packaging with your name on them when possible.
Keep insulin and medications at a safe temperature
You can safely keep insulin at room temperature for up to 30 days. Do not leave insulin, GLP-1 medications or diabetes supplies in a hot car, direct sun or freezing conditions. “This is another reason that checked baggage is not safe, since the baggage area on a plane is not temperature controlled,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
If you need to control the temperature of insulin or other medication:
- Check the medication label or pharmacist instructions for guidance
- Use an insulated bag or cooling case when needed
- Do not place insulin directly on ice or freezer packs
- Be careful with hotel mini fridges since they can freeze items
- If insulin or medication looks different than usual or may have been exposed to extreme temperatures, ask a pharmacist or provider before you use it
What to know about airport security
Plan for an extra 10 to 15 minutes to get through airport security. Let the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents know if you have an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Do not go through the full body scanners. Ask for hand inspection instead.
Your diabetes supplies are allowed through TSA screening. Make sure they are clearly labeled and separated from your other items. You no longer need to bring a letter from your doctor to bring medications, syringes or monitoring devices on a plane with you.
Check your blood sugar more often on travel days
Travel can change your blood glucose levels. That’s because when you travel, you’re more likely to face:
- Stress
- Missed meals
- Different foods
- Less sleep
- More walking
- Long sitting
- Heat
- Altitude
That’s why it’s important to check blood sugar or CGM readings more often than usual and to keep glucose tablets or fast-acting carbs within reach. Don’t put them in the overhead bin on a plane, since you may need to reach them quickly.
If you’re driving, check your blood sugar before and during long drives.
Plan for meals, snacks and hydration
Travel delays can affect the timing of your meals. Pack snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated and carry water. You can refill a water bottle after you get past airport security.
It can also help to:
- Be careful with alcohol, especially if you take insulin or medicines that can lower blood sugar
- Consider how restaurant portions, unfamiliar foods and activity changes may affect your blood sugar
- Look up foods ahead of time if you can, especially if you’re counting carbs
Traveling across time zones
Time zone changes can affect the timing of your insulin, pills and meals. Ask your provider how to adjust your schedule before you travel.
You will need to update the time zone on your insulin pump. If you use your phone as a CGM reader, the time zone should update automatically.
Try setting an alarm on your phone for medication, insulin, meals or blood sugar checks, since your schedule is usually different when you’re travelling.
Protect your feet and circulation while traveling
Long travel days can mean you’re walking, standing or sitting more than usual. These tips can help you keep your feet safe and healthy:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Check your feet daily for blisters, cuts, swelling or redness
- Do not walk barefoot in hotel rooms, pools, beaches or public showers
- Move your legs and take walking breaks during long car rides or flights
- Ask your provider for tips on how to prevent blood clots if you have circulation problems or recently had surgery
When to seek medical care while traveling
Get care if you have:
- Blood sugar that stays very high or very low even when you’re following your usual plan
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration
- Moderate or large ketones, if you check them
- Fever or infection symptoms
- A foot cut, blister or sore that is getting worse
- Confusion, fainting or severe weakness
- Chest pain, trouble breathing or stroke symptoms
- Lost or spoiled insulin or medications with no safe replacement
Bottom line
Traveling with diabetes takes extra planning but it shouldn’t keep you at home. A little preparation can help you feel safer and more in control. If you are planning a trip and are not sure how to manage diabetes while traveling, reach out to a Banner Health diabetes care provider for help creating a travel plan.
FAQs about traveling with diabetes
Can I bring insulin and diabetes supplies on a plane?
Yes. TSA allows diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medications through security once they are properly screened. Keep them in your carry-on bag and tell TSA before screening.
Should diabetes supplies go in checked luggage?
No. Keep diabetes supplies in your carry on so they are not lost, delayed or exposed to extreme temperatures.
How do I keep insulin cool while traveling?
Use an insulated bag or cooling case if needed. Keep insulin away from direct heat, freezing temperatures and contact with ice.
How do I manage diabetes across time zones?
Ask your provider before the trip how to adjust medication or insulin timing. Use phone alarms to help you stay on schedule.
What snacks should I pack when traveling with diabetes?
Pack fast-acting carbs for low blood sugar and longer-lasting snacks with protein and carbohydrates, such as crackers with nut butter, trail mix or shelf-stable options that fit your plan.
Can I travel with an insulin pump or CGM?
Yes but check your device manufacturer’s travel guidance and tell TSA before screening. Ask for alternate screening if recommended for your device.
