Traveling with Diabetes

Diabetes is a 24/7 job, and when we add in the excitement and even stress of traveling,

it can be easy to overlook some essential things we need to support our management

while traveling. Preparing ahead of time can help prevent medication and supply issues

and make it easier for you to enjoy your trip with confidence and peace of mind.

Make sure to pack your diabetes supplies and medication PLUS extra. It ‘s better to

overpack than find yourself scrambling to find a place to pick up supplies and depending

on where you are going, you might be able to get your supplies or medication locally. 

Essential items to pack:

• Glucometer, test strips, lancets

  • Even if you use a continuous glucose monitor, bring your meter as a

backup always!

• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

  • Bring extras in case they fall or fail 

• Insulin (if you are using it)

  • Bring the insulin you currently use, plus a few extra pens/vials

  • Make sure to keep your insulin temperature controlled by putting it in a

cooler pack

• Remember insulin can only be at room temperature about 30 days,

so the extra insulin you bring should be kept cold and placed in a

fridge once you get to your destination

• Insulin pump users:

  • Insulin pump supplies (infusion sets, cartridges, pump charger)

  • Back up rapid-acting and long-acting insulin in case your pump fails 

• Emergency glucagon 

• Low blood sugar treatments (glucose tabs, juice boxes, gummies)

• Oral Medications 

• Other Injectables 

  • These too should be kept temperature controlled 

Depending on how you are traveling, by air or by car, there are a few specific things to

consider to make sure you and your supplies arrive at your destination!

Traveling by air:

• Pack all your diabetes supplies in your carry-on and DO NOT let that bag be

checked

• If you have diabetes, you are allowed by TSA to have an additional personal

item, and that can be your bag of diabetes supplies/medications

• Going through security:

• If you wear a CGM, you can safely go through all metal detectors and

scanners 

• If you wear an insulin pump, the pump could be disrupted by the metal

detectors and scanners

• Let a TSA agent know you wear a pump and cannot go through the

scanner and will need to “opt out” and will need to get a pat down

instead

Traveling by car:

• Make sure to keep your insulin temperature controlled and do not leave your

insulin in a hot car

• If you have a long car ride, sitting for long periods of time can contribute to more

insulin resistance, causing blood sugar to go up- try doing some light movement

like a walk, stretching, calf raises, or squats during pit stops!

A final thought on safety: If you are traveling with others who are not familiar with your

diabetes management, make sure they know you have diabetes and inform them of

how to help you in case of an emergency. 

Diabetes may have to come along for the trip, but with a little extra prep, you can travel

safe, confident, and equipped to handle any ups and downs that show up along the

way!

Megan Pelli, MS, RD, LD