Diabetes and Vacation Travel

Care for your diabetes even while you’re on vacation. Plan ahead for stress-free travel for your health needs. Whether you’ll be on the road, in the air, on the water, take your care routine with you.

Getting out of the routine is part of the fun of vacation and traveling. But your care routine should travel with you, especially if you have diabetes. Before you hit the road, review these tips for taking care of yourself.

Don't Forget Your Medication

Pack twice the amount of diabetes supplies you expect to need, in case of travel delays.
If traveling by air pack at least a three day supply in your carry on in case your checked luggage is lost or misdirected.
Keep snacks, glucose gel, or tablets with you in case your blood glucose drops.
Make sure you keep your health insurance card and emergency phone numbers handy, including your doctor’s name and phone number.
Carry medical identification that says you have diabetes.
Keep time zone changes in mind so you’ll know when to take medication.
Pack a glucagon emergency kit if you use insulin.
Have all syringes and insulin delivery systems (including vials of insulin) clearly marked with the pharmaceutical preprinted label that identifes the medications. Keep it in the original pharmacy labeled packaging.
Find out where to get medical care if needed when away from home.
Take copies of prescriptions with you.
In The Air

If you’re flying and do not want to walk through the metal detector with your insulin pump, tell a security offcer that you are wearing an insulin pump and ask them to visually inspect the pump and do a full-body pat-down.
Place all diabetes supplies in carry-on luggage. Keep medications and snacks at your seat for easy access. Don’t store them in overhead bins or checked luggage.
If a meal will be served during your fight, call ahead for a diabetic, low fat, or low cholesterol meal. Wait until your food is about to be served before you take your insulin.
If the airline doesn’t offer a meal, bring a nutritious meal yourself.
Make sure to pack snacks in case of fight delays, fresh fruit and vegetables are allowed through airport security, however no liquids (even bottled water can be taken through security).
If you have a connecting fight healthy meal options in many airports are limited, so plan accordingly.
When drawing up your dose of insulin, don’t inject air into the bottle (the air on your plane will probably be pressurized).
Reduce your risk for blood clots by moving around every hour or two.
On The Road

Reduce your risk for blood clots by moving around every hour or two.
Pack a small cooler of foods that may be difficult to find while traveling, such as fresh fruit, sliced raw vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat yogurt.
Bring a few bottles of water instead of sugar-sweetened soda or juice.
Pack dried fruit, nuts, and seeds as snacks. Since these foods can be high in calories, measure out small portions (1/4cup) in advance.
Staying Healthy

Check levels often. Changes in what you eat, activity levels and time zones can affect your blood glucose.
Talk with your doctor before increasing physical activity, such as going on a trip that will involve more walking.
Stick with your exercise routine. Make sure to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
Make sure you are up-to-date on immunizations if traveling.