Plan to be spontaneous!
Travel looks a little different when you have diabetes. Packing lists don’t just include your favorite jeans, leather jacket, and booties. You have to make room for a variety of gear needed to keep you feeling your best while exploring the world! Early on in our journey with T1D I said to our Endocrinologist, “Our family is so spontaneous, how are we going to do this?”. She gently replied, “You can still be spontaneous, you just have to plan to be spontaneous!”.
Developing your own strategy when it comes to preparing for a trip will go a long way in creating that sense of spontaneity. You work so hard to live well with your diabetes, you deserve a vacation once in a while! Don’t let the intimidation of travel and all the prep work keep you at home. Here are some tips that will open up the possibilities.
- When packing your diabetes supplies take 2-3 times the amount you normally use. This allows room for those occasional mishaps and prevents precious use of vacation time trying to hunt down batteries for your insulin pump!
- Split supplies into a carry on/easily accessible bag and a suitcase for those longer trips. Do not pack your diabetes medicines (or any other meds) in checked luggage when you fly! Keep them together in your carry on bag. Preferably with your name and prescription details on the labels.
- Regarding your insulin, plan for a way to keep it cool for the duration of your trip. Frio gel packs work great and are reusable.
- Make sure your personal contact info is attached to all pieces of your luggage and consider a medical alert tag with emergency contact information attached to your carry on bag. One2One Traveler has you covered!
- Make sure to take an empty water bottle and fill after you pass through Security. Hydration is important for everyone when traveling.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks and your treatment for low blood sugar. Glucose tablets travel well and are not subject to the 3.4oz liquid rule. Other options could be packs of skittles, smarties candy, or jelly beans.
- It’s a good idea to check with your pump manufacturer regarding their recommendations for safely screening this technology when traveling by air.
- You may request a physical pat down if you feel uncomfortable wearing your tech through imaging machines. TSA should NEVER tell you to remove your device or keep them on for that matter. It is your choice!
- Your diabetes supply bag with your medications will need to be inspected. You can send them through Xray or ask for a visual inspection. Again, Security/TSA should not handle your medical supplies but you may be asked to pack/repack your stuff. If you refuse, they can deny you access.
- You may pack an unlimited number of unused syringes, insulin, or other injectable medications as well as testing supplies. Insulin is safe to go through Xray.
- Plan for how you will dispose of your used sharps. A hard sided container with a screw on lid is recommended.
- TSA Cares helpline number for additional questions/screening policies is available for those traveling in USA. 1-855-787-2227
I hope this list starts you out on the right foot when planning your next getaway. I’ll be looking for you on the beaches of Australia or in the mountains of Colorado!
- Stacey Fox BSN, RN is a Diabetes Nurse Educator for the University of Colorado Health system. She is the proud mom of Leah, founder of One2One Diabetes.