Avoiding Diabetes Travel Nightmares: A Diabetes Educator’s Guide

Mar 30, 2025

Traveling with diabetes can be a challenge, especially when flying.

For those managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), unexpected blood sugar dips can be a real concern. You know it can be unsettling if you’ve ever been blindsided by low blood sugar while cruising at 35,000 feet. But with the right preparation, you can avoid this diabetes travel nightmare and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. A diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator can provide tips to make traveling with diabetes much easier.

Here are three essential tips to prevent low blood sugar while flying:

1. Take a Deep Breath and Stay Calm

When low blood sugar hits, the first thing you should do is take a deep breath. Staying calm will help clear your mind and allow you to make better decisions. Panicking can lead to poor choices, and that’s the last thing you want when managing your blood sugar levels. A diabetes dietitian or a Type 1 diabetes dietitian often emphasizes the importance of staying composed during a hypo episode.

2. Pack Low Snacks for Easy Access

As a diabetes educator would recommend, always have a supply of fast-acting carbohydrates within easy reach during your flight. Pack snacks like glucose tablets, juice boxes, or fruit snacks in a bag under your seat so you can grab them immediately if needed. This is particularly important for those with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D) who might need to act quickly if blood sugar levels drop unexpectedly. Having low-sugar snacks handy ensures that you can handle a low blood sugar episode without disrupting your trip.

3. Don’t Rely Too Much on the Flight Attendant

While flight attendants are there to help, they might not always be available when you need them most. They may be busy with drink service, dealing with turbulence, or located far from your seat. For those with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, it’s essential to be self-sufficient in these situations. A T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian would encourage you to be prepared and not rely on others to manage your blood sugar levels. A little planning can go a long way in ensuring your safety while traveling.

Diabetes educators and dietitians are key resources for anyone managing diabetes. Whether you have Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, a diabetes dietitian can help create a personalized plan for travel that takes your needs into account. They can provide you with tips for managing blood sugar levels, offer advice on the best snacks to bring, and guide you on how to handle unexpected situations while traveling.

If you’ve found that your current care team doesn’t cover travel-related diabetes concerns, it might be time to seek out a new one. A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with experience in travel preparation can make a world of difference. With the right guidance, you can travel confidently, knowing that you have a plan in place to handle any blood sugar issues that may arise during your flight.