5 Essentials for Traveling With Diabetes

Fast Facts: Creating a Diabetes Travel Kit 

• Effective planning makes traveling with diabetes easier. 
• Use these 5 questions to make sure you’re packing appropriately. 
• How long you’re gone determines how much you should bring. 
• Talk to your care team about what to have on hand if you’re unsure. 

There can be a lot to remember when you’re traveling with diabetes, even if you’re just running errands around town. Managing the highs and lows of your blood sugars means prepping and packing supplies. Sometimes a simple day trip can seem like getting ready for a long weekend away.  

If you or someone you love is adjusting to a new diabetes diagnosis, figuring out what to have on hand can be a bit of a headscratcher. The simplest way to have everything you need is to ask yourself a few questions before you head out the door. 

The 5 Essential Questions

Ask yourself these questions and identify the items you need before leaving home. Make sure you have the things appropriate for your care and that you’ve discussed the best options with your care team. 

While these questions are important for anyone with diabetes, they’re best suited for people who are taking insulin with syringes, pumps or pens. Unsure of what you should have? Talk to your doctor, endocrinologist or certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). They can guide you through it all. 

Can I lower my blood sugar with what I have? 
Pack these items: 

• Pen, pump or syringes. 
• Insulin: fast acting and long acting. 
• Reserve supplies, such as pump infusion sets and additional insulin. 

Can I raise my blood sugar with what I have? 
Pack these items: 

• Glucose tabs. 
• Juice. 
• Other sources of fast-release carbs, such as soda, honey, hard candy, etc. 
• Snacks or meals containing carbs and protein depending on the availability of food at your destination. 

Can I test my blood sugar with what I have? 
Pack these items: 

• Continuous glucose monitoring device. Considering bringing replacement sensors. 
• Blood glucose monitor. 
• Lancing device or lancets. 
• Test strips. 

Can I clean or cover injection sites with what I have? 
Pack these items: 

• Alcohol swabs. 
• First aid supplies, such as bandages, cotton swabs, dressings and topical medications. 

Do my devices need power and can I power my devices with what I have? 
Pack these items: 

• Batteries for pump and tester. Some devices may not need batteries or charging for a day trip. 
• Chargers for a tester, reader or phone if using an app to monitor your sugars. 

Bonus Question: Do I have enough items to last the entire trip? 

This question is important to consider if you’re going to have a long day, or even a few days, away. Packing a bit more than you need is a great way to stay prepared on the go. If traveling by air, always keep your medications and supplies in your carry-on baggage for easy access. Plan accordingly to avoid being in a difficult position. 

Going through this exercise and identifying the items you need is a simple and effective way to stay on top of your diabetes wherever you are. And as you continue with it, managing diabetes on the go will gradually become second nature, making the challenges with it more manageable and less overwhelming.