Welcome to our comprehensive guide on travelling with diabetes! Travels and adventures can be a thrilling experience, but when you have diabetes, they can also bring along a lot of concerns.
Whether you're taking a short business trip or embarking on a long-awaited holiday, this article will provide you with essential tips and advice to manage your diabetes effectively when travelling.
We'll cover everything from the pre-departure diabetes travel checklist to specific advice on carrying medications like insulin or Ozempic during your travels, and air travel regulations for flying with diabetic supplies. We'll also discuss the importance of maintaining a diabetes-friendly routine and how to adapt your diabetes management to different destinations and time zones.
Let's get started and ensure your travel plans are safe, fun, and memorable, even with diabetes!
Related article: Does Insulin Really Need to Be Refrigerated? Essential Storage Tips Here!
Diabetes Travel Checklist
Travelling with diabetes, like with any chronic health condition, requires more meticulous planning to ensure your health and safety.
Before you embark on your journey, it's important to ensure you're in good health and fit for travel, have the necessary documentation to carry your diabetes medications, pack your diabetes supplies correctly, and secure a travel insurance.
Let's delve deeper into this diabetes travel checklist, aiming to make your travel prep as easy as possible.
Pre-travel Doctor Appointment
Even if you don't suffer from any chronic condition, a pre-travel medical check-up is always a good idea. But for people with diabetes, whether it's type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, it's vital to ensure that your condition is well-managed and stable before any travel.
Booking a consultation with your doctor before setting off on your travels can be really helpful.
During this pre-travel appoitment, your doctor can also provide a personalised checklist of all the diabetes supplies and medications you'll need on your trip and make sure you have enough supplies for the length of your stay.
Moreover, they can update your prescriptions, provide any necessary emergency medications, and offer tailored advice on managing your diabetes while on the move.
This is also the perfect time to get any required travel documentation sorted and to update any vaccinations needed for international travel. Making sure everything is in order health-wise before you leave can make your trip smoother and safer.
Related article: How To Travel With Mounjaro Pens Safely!
Diabetes Travel Letter
When you're traveling within the UK, it's not compulsory to have medical documentation for your diabetic medications and supplies. Nevertheless, ensuring that all your diabetic supplies and medications are clearly labelled makes them easily identifiable, which is particularly helpful during airport security checks.
Carrying a diabetes travel letter from your doctor, which details all your medications and supplies, can significantly smooth the process at security checkpoints and provides a clear rationale for the need to carry these items and can help ease your passage.
Also, it's a good idea to carry a copy of your medical prescription. This can be very useful if you lose or run out of your diabetic supplies while travelling, ensuring you can obtain replacements without significant hassle.
Travel insurance for diabetes
Having diabetes makes securing the right travel insurance not just beneficial but essential, as it can safeguard you against the financial strain of unexpected medical emergencies while travelling.
The travel insurance market in the UK offers a variety of travel insurance policies, each differing in coverage scope and terms. You need to choose a policy that explicitly covers pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes. Not all policies include pre-existing conditions, so thorough research and comparison are imperative here!!
Travel insurance for diabetes should encompass expenses for any medical treatments required during your trip. This includes emergency services, medication costs, and any diabetes-related care.
Always review the fine prints of the insurance policy before purchasing. Ensure that it provides adequate coverage for diabetes care and check for any exclusions or limitations that might affect you.
How to Pack Your Diabetes Travel Kit
The reality is that travelling with diabetes involves more than just packing your bags. We all are anxious over possibly leaving something important behind or running out of diabetic supplies while away from home.
To help alleviate these worries and ensure you manage your diabetes effectively while away from home, we've developed a thorough checklist and packing guidelines for all diabetic supplies you may want to pack.
Diabetes Supplies Checklist
Our motto is: "When in doubt, pack it!" Below is a checklist of essential diabetes supplies to bring with you when travelling with diabetes:
- Diabetes Medications: whether metformin pills, insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Byetta, Victoza, or any other medications that you've been prescribed.
- Injection Supplies: If you use insulin or other diabetes injections, make sure to bring the supplies necessary for injections, like needles, syringes, alcohol swabs, etc.
- A medical-grade travel case coolerif you carry temperature-sensitive diabetes injections, like insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, or others.
- Blood Glucose Monitoring Kit, including your blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMs), your lancet device, lancets, and glucose test strips.
- Insulin Pump and Accessories: If you use an insulin pump, pack extra supplies such as batteries, infusion sets, and reservoirs. Always bring a back-up insulin pump during your travels in case your primary pump fails.
- Emergency Glucagon Kit: If you've been prescribed one, include an emergency glucagon kit in case of severe hypoglycaemia while travelling.
- Hypo Snacks in case you have hypoglycaemia during your journey.
- Medical ID: It's also a good idea to carry a medical ID bracelet or necklace to help identify your condition in an emergency.
- Documentation: Have prescriptions and medical documentation readily accessible, especially when travelling abroad (see above).
- Travel Health Insurance: Ensure your health insurance card and any travel insurance documents are with you.
This checklist may not be exhaustive, but it should give you a good idea of what diabetic supplies to pack for your travels. If you're unsure about what additional items you might need, ask your doctor for guidance. They can offer personalised advice!
Always Pack Extra Diabetic Supplies
Travelling with diabetes means always being prepared. Make sure to bring along extra diabetic supplies such as insulin, medications, test strips, syringes, and pump accessories. It's like packing an extra layer of security in case your flight is delayed or your journey is extended!
Don't forget to throw in some snacks and drinks too. They're great for keeping your energy up and managing your blood glucose on the go. And for those low blood sugars, stash some quick sugar fixes like glucose tablets or your favorite fruit juice. It's all about keeping your travels smooth and your health in check. So, pack a little more and travel with peace of mind!
Related article: 10 Great Travel Snacks for Diabetics!
Packing Tips
When packing your diabetes supplies for travel, always use secure, durable containers to protect fragile items like insulin vials, pens, test strips, and glucose meters from damage. If you're using insulin vials, we recommend using an insulin vial protective sleeve to prevent them from breaking in case of an accidental drop!
Remember that insulin and other temperature-sensitive diabetes medications should be carried in insulated coolers to ensure they remain effective, especially if you're travelling to hot climates.
Always keep your medications in their original containers with clearly visible labels, which not only facilitates airport security screenings but also ensures you can quickly find and use your supplies when needed.
If you haven't already done it, consider investing in a diabetes-specific supply bag to keep all your diabetic supplies organised and easily accessible, especially if you're a frequent traveller.
Related article: How to Travel with Ozempic: Travel Cases and Flying Tips!
Always Keep Your Diabetes Supplies in Your Hand Luggage
If you're flying with diabetes, always carry your diabetes supplies in your carry-on luggage rather than checked luggage to avoid exposure to extreme temperature conditions and security risks in the hold that could compromise your medication.
Additionally, to mitigate the risk of losing your supplies, divide them between two bags. If you're travelling with a companion, split the diabetic supplies between your carry-on and theirs. This strategy ensures that if one bag is lost or stolen, you still have access to necessary supplies.
It is also good to always have a backup of critical medical supplies like insulin and medications, in case of travel delays or unexpected extensions of your trip.
Keeping Your Insulin & Diabetes Injections Cool When Travelling
When travelling with diabetes injections like as insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Byetta, Victoza, and others, it's very important to maintain the right storage temperature to preserve their efficacy. These medications must be transported carefully and kept cold or refrigerated during your travels.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration or Cooling!
Choose a Reliable Diabetes Travel Cooler
All diabetes injections are temperature-sensitive. They require refrigeration before use and must be kept cool below 25°C once opened.
So, if you're travelling during summer or in warmer climates, you must carry them in a cooling case that can maintain them refrigerated if unopened and cool if opened.
Medical travel coolers from 4AllFamily are designed specifically for this purpose. They can keep insulin and other diabetes medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Victoza, and Trulicity cool or even refrigerated for several days of travel!
These coolers either work with Biogel cooling packs (no electricity required) or USB power if you have a portable power bank, car cigarette lighter, or any other access to power.
Our new Chillers Pouch Coolers even work without electricity or a freezer. All you need to keep your diabetes injections cool is water!
Besides using a medical-grade travel cooler, here are a few more tips to keep your insulin and other diabetes medications cool when travelling:
- Always keep your medications in the shade and out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid leaving your medications in a car. Temperatures can soar inside parked vehicles, which can quickly degrade your insulin and other injectables.
- Carry only the essential medications with you daily, like your in-use injection pens, and leave the rest securely stored in your accommodation.
- Refrigerate your medications when possible, like in a mini-fridge from your hotel room for example.
Related article: How to Travel with Mounjaro: Safety Tips & Travel Cases.
Travelling by Air with Diabetes
Understanding airport security rules when you're flying with diabetes is quite important. Although there's nothing complicated about it and most diabetic supplies are allowed on the plane, here's a focus on what to expect and how to prepare when flying with diabetes.
UK Airports and Diabetic Supplies
You can take insulin, diabetes injections, and any of your medical supplies on a plane.
According to the CAA, the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK, "Essential medicines are allowed in your hand luggage"
You should get a letter from your GP or diabetes specialist to transit smoothly through airport security and customs. While not always requested at UK airports, the letter should include details about your medication, especially if you carry insulin in containers over 100 mls, as well as any devices and medical supplies that you use. It is also good practice to take a copy of a recent prescription with you.
Regarding the airline company, you are not obligated to show any medical documents. However, informing them about your diabetes is prudent. Doing so can facilitate the flights, with diabetes-friendly meal options for instance.
Related article: Can Insulin Pumps go Through X-ray machines and Metal Detectors at the Airport?
More Tips For Travelling With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
Now, besides all the travel and packing details above, here come a few more tips to help you manage your diabetes and blood sugars while travelling:
- Regularly Check Your Blood Sugar
Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels by checking them every few hours. It's a simple way to stay on top of your health and adjust your activities or meals as needed.
- Snack Smart
Pack a variety of quick and easy snacks to combat low blood sugar levels on the move. Things like glucose tablets, fruit, or small snack bars can be lifesavers when you're out and about.
- Stick to Your Routine
Wherever you are in the world, try to keep to your usual meal times and medication schedule. Familiar routines help keep your blood sugars in check.
- Dress Comfortably
Comfort is key when traveling. Wear loose clothing and comfy shoes to help improve circulation and keep you relaxed, especially if you suffer from diabetic neuropathy.
- Wear a Medical ID
A medical ID is essential, especially for people with type 1 diabetes that are prone to severe hypoglycaemia. It lets people know about your diabetes in case of an emergency, ensuring you get the right help quickly.
- Choose Your Accommodations Wisely
When on holiday, maybe opt for places to stay that have a kitchen. This way, you can whip up your own meals, which is not only healthier but also keeps your meal routine consistent.
- Be Mindful of Meal Planning
When eating out, look for restaurants that offer dietary options suitable for your needs. Planning your meals ahead can help you make better food choices and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Take Time to Relax
Don't forget to schedule some downtime. Relaxing can help reduce stress levels, which in turn can help manage your blood glucose better. Whether it's reading a book, meditating, or just sitting quietly, find time to unwind.
- Stay Active
Travelling is a fantastic chance to engage in physical activities that may not be part of your daily routine. Whether it's walking through new cities, camping, hiking scenic trails, or swimming at the beach, these activities are great for lowering your blood sugar levels.
- Plan for Time Zone Changes
If you're travelling internationally and crossing time zones, it's important to discuss adjusting your insulin injections schedule with your doctor before you depart.
- Seek Destination-Specific Advice
Before travelling, consider reaching out to local diabetes organisations or resources in your destination for specific advice and support. They can offer valuable information on where to find medical facilities, how to access emergency diabetes supplies, and even tips on local foods that fit your dietary needs.
- Ask for Help
Remember, you're not alone travelling with diabetes! People are generally eager to help, so if you find yourself needing recommendations on where to dine with dietary restrictions, locating medical services, or even assistance with translations at a pharmacy, don't hesitate to ask local staff or residents!
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts
Do you have any tips or stories about travelling with diabetes? Or maybe you have questions? Share your experiences and queries in the comments below. Let's build a supportive community where we can learn from each other and make traveling with diabetes easier for everyone!
