Believe it or not, the upcoming travel season is upon us. If you’re diabetic and planning a trip, you may be a bit anxious about how best to manage your condition while away from home. You’re not alone.
Taking a trip will require more preparation, but can still be an enjoyable experience. Below are a few tips to help you with your trip planning:
Before You Travel: Get your documents together
- Prescriptions from your doctor for any medications, as well as for your medical devices (CGM, insulin pump, etc.)
- Documentation that specifies that you are a diabetic.
- If traveling to a foreign country, make sure this document is translated to the language spoken in any of the countries on your itinerary.
- Make a few copies of this document and distribute them to anyone traveling with you.
Packing Tips
Put medications in your carry-on bag
- Store medication in a quart-size plastic container or bag so that airport security can easily identify them at the checkpoint.
- Separate them from other liquids in your carry-on luggage.
- If possible, keep your insulin bottles or pens in their original packaging, as this will provide airport security staff with the prescriptions they will be asking for.
Over pack your supplies
When packing your supplies, take twice as much as you think you will need.
Pack non-perishable snacks
Keep a few ready-to-eat snacks in your carry-on luggage for those blood sugar dips.
Additional Travel Resources
- Visit the Transportation Safety Administration’s (TSA) website – Be sure to check out the requirements of the TSA ahead of time so you will know what to expect at the security checkpoint.
- Look into loaner pumps – Many pump manufacturers offer loaner programs. Check with your specific pump manufacturer for details.
