"Don’t let good diabetes management go on vacation just because you did.
Traveling to new places gets you out of your routine—that’s a big part of the fun. But delayed meals, unfamiliar food, being more active than usual, and different time zones can all disrupt diabetes management. Plan ahead so you can count on more fun and less worry on the way and when you get to your destination.
Traveling to new places gets you out of your routine—that’s a big part of the fun. But delayed meals, unfamiliar food, being more active than usual, and different time zones can all disrupt diabetes management. Plan ahead so you can count on more fun and less worry on the way and when you get to your destination.
Before You Go
- Visit your doctor for a checkup to ensure you’re fit for the trip. Make sure to ask your doctor:
- How your planned activities could affect your diabetes and what to do about it.
- How to adjust your insulin doses if you’re traveling to a different time zone.
- To provide prescriptions for your medicines in case you lose them or run out.
- If you’ll need any vaccines.
- To write a letter stating that you have diabetes and why you need your medical supplies.
- Just in case, locate pharmacies and clinics close to where you’re staying.
- Get a medical ID bracelet that states you have diabetes and any other health conditions.
- Get travel insurance in case you miss your flight or need medical care.
- Order a special meal for the flight that fits with your meal plan, or pack your own.
- Packing:
- Put your diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag (insulin could get too cold in your checked luggage). Think about bringing a smaller bag to have at your seat for insulin, glucose tablets, and snacks.
- Pack twice as much medicine as you think you’ll need. Carry medicines in the pharmacy bottles they came in, or ask your pharmacist to print out extra labels you can attach to plastic bags.
- Be sure to pack healthy snacks, like fruit, raw veggies, and nuts.
- Airport security:
- Get an optional TSA notification card[PDF – 23.8KB] to help the screening process go more quickly and smoothly.
- Good news: people with diabetes are exempt from the 3.4 oz. liquid rule for medicines, fast-acting carbs like juice, and gel packs to keep insulin cool.
- A continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump could be damaged going through the X-ray machine. You don’t have to disconnect from either; ask for a hand inspection instead..."
Travel and diabetes
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