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Your blood sugar management does not go on a break when you do because diabetes is a lifelong condition.
This does not mean you should not take trips or holidays in other countries if you have diabetes. However, when you travel, you have to plan and take steps to keep your blood sugar under control.
Here are five simple ways you can travel with diabetes while keeping your blood sugar in check:
Consider wearing a continuous glucose monitor
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a smart addition to your travel checklist if you have diabetes. It helps you track your blood sugar levels in real time as you travel, which is especially needed as travel might mean new foods or a change in medication time. Most CGMs will send you alerts when your blood glucose is really high or low.
If you are flying, place your CGM in your carry-on bag alongside other important diabetes supplies like medications, a blood sugar monitor, glucose strips, and healthy snacks.
It is important to add that CGMs could be damaged by X-rays, including body image scanners and airport luggage scanners. Instead of sending your CGM through the X-ray machine, you can request a pat-down screening.
It may also help to contact your airline before traveling or look through their websites for their guidelines for people living with diabetes.
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Pack Extras
As a rule of thumb, plan to pack two to three times as many diabetes supplies as you think you need, such as your medicines, test strips, and a blood testing device.
A lot of things can happen during travel, so having extras helps you feel more at peace, in case there are disruptions. If you are flying, ensure that at least half of your supplies are in your carry-on bag, and keep it with you at all times.
Remember to pack a small hypoglycemia kit[1] [2] [3] in case your blood sugar drops suddenly. Fast-acting glucose tablets are a quick, reliable fix, but you might also want to keep a glucagon emergency kit on standby.
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Maintain a Schedule
Traveling can mean a lot of changes. One of the most significant, especially in relation to people living with diabetes, is the change in time zones during long-haul flights. As a result, many people may lose track of or forget their medicines, which can throw off their blood sugars.
Usually, traveling eastward will shorten the day, which may mean temporarily increasing your insulin doses, whereas traveling westward will lengthen the day and may result in a possible increase in insulin. Talk to your healthcare provider beforehand to determine any adjustments to your insulin requirements as you cross time zones.
Other ways to maintain a schedule while you travel include:
- Try setting an alarm on your phone to keep you on track.
- Consider keeping your watch on your home time zone till you settle in, especially during long trips.
- Try to eat around the same time you would at home.
Make Smart Food Choices
Considering all available food options while traveling with diabetes is essential to maintaining a stable blood sugar. It is important to plan meals and snacks ahead of time.
Try to bring healthy snack options for the first day before you can shop in your new city, so you don't resort to unhealthy convenience foods. You are free to try a local cuisine, but do so in moderation. Using a CGM helps track your blood sugar while experimenting with new meals, so you can see if a meal is affecting your glucose levels.
Prepare for Emergencies
When in a new city, always have a medical ID bracelet or necklace that shows you have diabetes. In addition, get travel insurance in case you need emergency medical care. However, ask ahead if the insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, as many don't.
It also helps to have a list of your medications, doses, or copies of your prescriptions in case you run out. Having your doctor's contact info might come in handy.
Other tips for traveling with diabetes
Here are other things to keep in mind if you are traveling with diabetes:
- Do not store your insulin or device in direct sunlight or in a hot area, as heat could damage your insulin, testing strips, and blood sugar monitor.
- Store insulin and testing supplies in a cooler with a gel pack[4] [5] [6] . Our wide range of insulin coolers helps your supplies stay at the right temperature.
- Have a complete medical exam before you travel.
Bottom Line
Travel can throw your blood sugar off if you don't plan ahead. Be sure to pack all your essential medications and devices in your carry-on.
A CGM is a good option for monitoring your blood sugar on the go. Don't forget to check your blood sugar immediately after landing, as jet lag may affect your blood sugar readings.
Traveling soon? Make sure you have enough test strips, CGM sensors, and backup supplies before you go. Stock up now at Total Diabetes Supply.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tips for Traveling With Diabetes.
- Johns Hopkins University. Traveling With Diabetes.
- American Diabetes Association. What Can I Bring With Me on the Plane?
- UCLA Health. Guidelines for Travel.
FAQs
Can I travel with diabetes?
Diabetes is a lifelong condition. This does not mean you should not take trips or holidays in other countries if you have diabetes. However, when you travel, you have to plan and take steps to keep your blood sugar under control.
Can I fly safely with all diabetes supplies?
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) can be damaged by X-rays, including body image scanners and airport luggage scanners. Instead of sending your CGM through the X-ray machine, you can request a pat-down screening.
How many diabetes supplies do I need to travel safely?
As a rule of thumb, plan to pack two to three times as many diabetes supplies as you think you need, such as your medicines, test strips, and a blood testing device.
What do I eat while traveling with diabetes?
Try to bring healthy snack options for the first day before you can shop in your new city, so you don't resort to unhealthy convenience foods. You are free to try a local cuisine, but do so in moderation.
How do I prepare for emergencies?
When in a new city, always have a medical ID bracelet or necklace that shows you have diabetes. It also helps to have a list of your medications, doses, or copies of your prescriptions in case you run out. Having your doctor's contact info might come in handy.
