What to Pack When You Travel with Diabetes

You may be going on vacation, but your diabetes is indeed going to come along for the adventure.

Do yourself a favor and be prepared for your trip-I guarantee you will enjoy yourself a whole lot more.

This is the stuff you need to remember when it comes to traveling with diabetes:

1. Bring 2-3 times the amount of pump supplies you think you need in case a site goes bad, you accidentally snag your tubbing on the restaurant door, or you accidentally knock your site off your body. 

2. Bring an insulin pen and cartridge in case you use all of your pump sites. Bonus tip: wrap your pen in bubble wrap to keep it secure.

3. Blood sugar meter In case your CGM breaks. I know, this isn’t an idea situation. We are indeed slightly spoiled by the lack of finger sticks these days. But I don’t know about you, I wouldn’t want to go swimming with sharks or snorkeling with the turtles without knowing what my blood sugar was. You?

4. Backup insulin in case your current bottle decides to shatter or becomes unusable due to improper storage (ie in the sun). Bonus tip: wrap your insulin in bubble wrap or use a vial protector to keep it safe.

5. Snacks snacks snacks. We all know that airport cuisine options vary widely depending on the airport. In addition, you’ll want to have those low snacks on hand in the event you need them.

6. Water. This seems like a no brainer but I am consistently shocked at the amount of people I see at the airport who are not hydrating. Bring an empty bottle with you through security and fill it up when you reach your concourse. 

Instead of being stuck focusing on your blood sugars and how crappy you feel because they're so up and down, by following these tips, be prepared to focus on having an amazing time with your family or friends.