Have you ever had that feeling when you’re sitting on a plane about to take off and you remember you’ve forgotten to pack something for your trip? Imagine living with a chronic illness and forgetting medication and supplies you need to live… it’s just not an option! Travel looks a little different when you have diabetes. You just can’t go to the store and pick up insulin and other diabetic supplies like you can a new toothbrush or deodorant. Packing lists include more than just your favourite bikini, shoes, and book. A person living with T1D (Type 1 Diabetes) requires a variety of live saving tools to keep them feeling their best while jet setting across the world or even a quick weekend getaway.
I was diagnosed with T1D at 7 years old and have done my fair share of travelling over the last 19 years. My mom tells the story that early on in our journey with T1D she said to our Endocrinologist, “Our family is so spontaneous, how are we going to do this?”. The doctor gently replied, “You can still be spontaneous, you just have to plan to be spontaneous!”.
Travelling with a chronic illness can feel like such a big hassle, zapping any sense of spontaneity… but it can be done! I’ll be right there on the beach sipping pina coladas, with a little extra prep and planning and of course a bolus of insulin.
According to a Stanford University study, people living with diabetes have to make an extra 180 decisions a day compared to an average person. I can confidently say this number increases even more when travelling. Oftentimes these decisions are critical to my health and wellbeing and sometimes can lead to decision fatigue or diabetes burnout. A holiday is supposed to be relaxing and an escape from your daily responsibilities. Unfortunately, people living with T1D don’t have this luxury.
Of course, I still enjoy my holiday and don’t let diabetes slow me down one bit. Here are some of the challenges I face when travelling with my diabetes.
- Extra screening at airport security involving visual inspections of medical supplies, pat downs, and swabbing my insulin pump
- Educating airport security regarding need for medication, cooling methods, and sharp storage
- Methods to maintain hydration with non-caffeinated liquids. Dehydration can lead to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugars)
- Long periods of sitting makes me more resistant to insulin causing my blood sugars to spike
- Stress of traveling can cause my blood sugars to rise
- I need to always have a quick acting source of sugar to treat hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
- I may need less insulin when I’m more active on vacation, and or more insulin with less activity
Diabetes loves routine and let’s face it, you go on vacation to break your routine and chill out! Devices like my insulin pump and cgm (continuous glucose monitor) allow me more flexibility, but careful thought and planning are always along for the ride. My brain functions as my pancreas and it can’t just clock off for vacation!
One of the biggest struggles when travelling has been packing all my supplies. The technology I use requires me to carry LOTS of extra supplies. I have to change these sites every 3 or 7 days and in addition it’s recommended I take 2-3 times what I normally use when traveling. Imagine how much room that would take up if going on a 2–3-week trip. I searched for a packing solution that provided the organisation, safety, and style I wanted in a bag. I was sick of using zip lock bags and ending up with damaged or bent needles that rendered them useless. I decided to take my love of fashion and lived experience with T1D to create a product that solved my problem. I launched One2One Diabetes to provide upscale diabetes travel bags for my community. These customisable bags can be manipulated to safely store not only pump sites and sensors, but also toiletries and makeup providing a one stop shop for all your necessities when travelling. My hope is that these bags make someone’s life with diabetes easier and a lot more stylish!
- Leah Healey, founder of One2One Diabetes
References:
Stanford University, 2014. New research shows how to keep diabetics safer during sleep. Available online: https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2014/05/08/new-research-keeps-diabetics-safer-during-sleep/ [last accessed May 2021]