Diabetes on the Go: Unleash Adventure with These Travel Tips

By: Alegria Benzaquen

Traveling can be hectic, whether it's ensuring you haven’t forgotten your toothbrush or making sure your suitcase isn’t over the weight limit - its a lot. But for those of us with diabetes, travel preperations get a bit more complicated. As a type 1 diabetic, there are always a few questions I ask myself when packing for a trip: What do you need? What will you do if your device malfunctions? What do you say to airport security? How many extra supplies should you bring? What’s the contingency plan? These are some of my key tips for traveling as a type 1 diabetic:

1. Pack Extra Supplies:

• This might seem like a given, but when I say extra supplies, I mean EXTRA supplies. The last thing you want is to get stuck in a foreign location without access to life-saving medication; trust me, it is not fun. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends bringing double the amount of supplies required for that time period when traveling with diabetes (CDC, n.d.). Additionally, consider packing supplies specifically for the trip; for instance, when I recently visited Arizona, a hotter climate than I am used to, and spent a lot of time in the pool, the higher chance of a pump or CGM adhesive falling off meant I packed much more than I would for a road trip to Canada.

1. Prepare for Airport Security:

• With airport security, you never know what to expect. Sometimes agents are familiar with diabetic supplies due to their frequent encounters, while others may subject you to extra security screenings. While hoping for the best, it helps to prepare for the worst. Many diabetic supplies cannot be put through the x-ray, requiring an extra search for certain continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), like Dexcom, insulin pumps, and insulin itself. As a diabetic, it is crucial to advocate for yourself. Inform airport security that these items cannot undergo x-ray and have a specialized process to clear them without damage. While a medical note from your physician outlining required accommodations may not always be requested, it's wise to be prepared. Advocating for yourself during airport security and travel can be stressful, and although the temptation to disconnect your insulin pump or let your devices go through the x-ray to avoid confrontation exists, the risk is not worth it in the end.

1. Pack Lots of Snacks:

• Whether it's for a road trip or a flight, packing plenty of snacks is crucial. As a diabetic, you are exempt from the 100ml fluid limit, so bring all the juice, glucose tablets, or gels you need (CDC, n.d.). Consider bringing high and low glucose snacks depending on the occasion. For longer flights and road trips, when you are not moving around much, lower glucose snacks like trail mix or fruits are recommended. However, in cases of hypoglycemia, having fast-acting glucose snacks on hand is essential to avoid emergencies.

1. Have Fun!:

• While diabetes management can be more complicated when traveling, don’t let it hinder your enjoyment! I recommend meeting with your primary care provider to discuss the adjustments your trip may require in diabetes management, such as time changes or different climates. Pack your bags, plan ahead, and savour every moment - becuase with a little bit of preparation, diabetes won't stand between you and a vacation well-enjoyed.

References; 

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Travelling with Diabetes. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html