Traveling with diabetes

Tips for Safe Travel When You Have Diabetes

Plan Ahead

• For a big trip, see your medical team for a check-up four to six weeks ahead.
• For trips abroad, get the correct immunizations.
• Get a letter from your doctor explaining your diabetes medicines, supplies, and any allergies.
• Get diabetes identification in the languages of the countries you will visit.
• Learn to adjust your diabetes medicine if you will change time zones.
• Always wear visible diabetes identification.

What to Pack

• Double the amount of diabetes medicine and supplies needed in your carry-on luggage.
• Glucagon kit if you use insulin.
• Insulated bag and blue ice to keep insulin cool.
• Snacks, glucose gel, or tablets to treat low blood glucose reactions.
• Medical insurance card and emergency number for your medical insurance company.
• First aid kit including:
- Bandages, gauze and topical antibiotic
- Pain reliever
- Medicines to treat diarrhea and motion sickness
- Sunscreen and insect spray

When Flying

• Call ahead for a diabetic, low fat or low cholesterol meal.
• Ask for an aisle seat if you will use the restroom for insulin injections.
• Get your ticket and seat early to prevent bumping.
• If traveling alone, tell the flight attendant you have diabetes.
• Keep your diabetes medicines with you, don't store them in an overhead bin.
• Don't inject air into the insulin bottle before drawing up your dose. The air is pressurized.

For Car Travel

• Don't leave medicines in the trunk, glove compartment or near a window.
• Carry extra food in case you cannot find a restaurant.

In General

• Move around every one to two hours to increase comfort and reduce risk for blood clots.
• Tell at least one person traveling with you about your diabetes.
• Never go barefoot, even in the shower or pool.
• Be careful about food safety when traveling in some countries.
- Use bottled water to brush your teeth.
- Drink bottled water with no ice.
- Eat only cooked vegetables and fresh fruit that can be peeled.
- Only consume pasteurized dairy foods.
- Don't eat food from street vendors.