Travelling can be hectic. Whether it’s ensuring that you haven’t forgotten your toothbrush or that your suitcase isn’t over the weight limit, it’s a lot. But for those of us with diabetes, travel preparations get a bit more complicated. As a type 1 diabetic, there are always a few questions that I ask myself when packing for a trip. What do you need? What will you do if your device malfunctions? What do you say to airport security? How many extra supplies should you bring? What’s the contingency plan?
These are some of my key trips for travelling as a type 1 diabetic:
Pack Extra Supplies
This might seem like a given but when I say extra supplies, I mean EXTRA supplies. The last thing you want is to get stuck in a foreign location without access to life-saving medication. Trust me, it’s not fun.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that diabetic travellers bring double the amount of supplies required for that time period (CDC, n.d.). Also, consider packing supplies specifically for the trip. For example, when I recently visited Arizona, a hotter climate than I am used to, I spent a lot more time in the pool. This meant a higher chance of a pump or CGM adhesive falling off, so I packed much more than I would on a Canadian road trip.
Prepare for Airport Security
With airport security, you never know what to expect. Sometimes agents are familiar with diabetic supplies due to their frequent encounters. Others may subject you to extra security screenings. While hoping for the best, it helps to prepare for the worst.
Many diabetic supplies cannot be put through the x-ray. This means an extra search for certain continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), like Dexcom, insulin pumps, and insulin itself. As a diabetic, it is crucial to advocate for yourself. Inform airport security that these items cannot undergo x-ray and have a specialized process to clear them without damage. While a medical note from your physician outlining required accommodations is not always requested, it’s wise to be prepared.
Advocating for yourself during airport security and travel can be stressful. It’s tempting to disconnect your insulin pump or let your devices go through x-ray to avoid confrontation. Nonetheless, the risk is not worth it in the end.
Pack Lots of Snacks
Whether it’s for a road trip or a flight, packing plenty of snacks is crucial. As a diabetic, you are exempt from the 100 ml fluid limit (CDC, n.d.). Bring all the juice, glucose tablets, or gels you need. Consider bringing high and low glucose snacks depending on the occasion. Lower glucose snacks like trail mix or fruits are recommended for longer flights/road trips, since you move around less. Nonetheless, in cases of hypoglycemia, having fast-acting glucose snacks on hand is essential to avoid emergencies.
Have Fun!
While diabetes management can be more complicated when traveling, don’t let it hinder your enjoyment! I recommend meeting with your primary care provider to discuss the adjustments your trip may need in diabetes management. For example, this could include time changes or different climates. Pack your bags, plan ahead, and savour every moment. With a little bit of preparation, diabetes won’t stand between you and a well-enjoyed vacation.
References
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Travelling with Diabetes. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html
About the Author
Alegria Benzaquen is a third-year nursing student at McMaster University and co-president of the McMaster Diabetes Association (MDA). The McMaster Diabetes Association aims to improve awareness and end misinformation surrounding diabetes. Check out their Instagram here!
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