Last Updated on December 11, 2024
Between summer vacations, anniversary trips, and visiting family during the holidays, we can spend a lot of time traveling. You have to pay extra attention to your diabetes when you’re away from home. Planning ahead for your trip can help ensure a safe trip.
Packing a “Diabetes Bag”
When you’re packing for your trip, keep all of your diabetes supplies in one place. A lot of people create a “diabetes bag” to use when traveling. Your bag should include all your insulin, medications, documentation, and other necessities. Be sure to include ice packs to keep your insulin cooled. Some people even include an extra pair of comfortable shoes.
A good idea is to have a first-aid kit handy. A standard first-aid kit should include a lot of essentials most people forget. Make sure it has anti-septic wipes, lotion, and bandages. A good rule to follow, is pack twice as many supplies as you think you’ll need. It might sound paranoid, but you never know what life is going to throw at you.
If you’re going to be riding in a car for a long time, try and keep your “diabetes bag” somewhere you can reach it. This can help save time instead of emptying the car to find it. If you’re flying somewhere, keep all of these items in your carry on luggage. You can ask the flight attended to place your insulin in a refrigerator for long flights.
Eating/Snacking
You should keep a pack of crackers, bag of trail mix, granola bar, or other snack close to you. There could be heavy traffic, a flight delay, or any number of things that could hinder you from being able to eat a full meal.
Attempt to keep your meal schedule as normal as possible. If you normally eat lunch at 11:30, try and schedule to eat your lunch at the same time. Breaking your routine can cause problems in managing your diabetes.
When you’re traveling, eating healthy can be difficult. If you’re going through a drive-thru on your road trip or picking something up at the airport, pick a salad or a grilled chicken sandwich. Since you probably won’t be very active, you want to avoid anything that will increase your blood sugar even more.
Going through airport security
Going through the airport brings its own set of challenges. You are allowed to take all of your supplies through security. Remember to put your diabetic supplies into a clear plastic bag. Keep this separate from everything else that will go through the scanner, and inform the TSA agent of your diabetes. It can save time if you include the original packaging for your medications or your prescription. If you are using an insulin pump, inform them and they will make accommodations. Some TSA agents are specifically trained to assist travelers that require special accommodations.
Checking your glucose levels
While you are traveling it is a good idea to test more often than you normally would. More than likely you will be eating different foods at different times. You will probably be doing different kinds and amounts of activities. This can cause your blood glucose levels to do crazy things. Checking frequently can prevent your diabetes from putting a damper on your vacation.
Being active while traveling
If you’ve been sitting for a while, try and squeeze in some extra walking while you travel. If you are riding in the car, stop at a rest stop and take a couple laps around. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and help lower your glucose levels. If you’re waiting on an airplane, walk around the terminal before you board your flight. Check to see if your hotel has a gym.
The other end of the spectrum is becoming too active on your trip. With all the excitement of traveling and sight seeing, it is easy to forget about your blood sugar levels. If you plan on doing a lot of walking, hiking, or sight seeing, make sure you bring a backpack with your insulin, snacks, and water. Make sure that you wear your medical I.D. bracelet and find out where the closest hospital is in case of an emergency.
Tips to remember:
- Create a “diabetes bag”
- Bring your first-aid kit
- Bring double the amount of supplies
- Keep a healthy snack close by
- Try and keep your eating schedule as normal as possible
- Check your glucose levels twice as often
