A trip should feel like a break, not one more thing to worry about. If you live with diabetes, a little planning before you leave can help you relax and enjoy the time away, whether it's a weekend visit with family or a long flight overseas.
This traveling with diabetes checklist walks you through what to plan, what to pack, how to move through airport security, and how to keep your routine steady while you're away. Take what's useful and leave the rest.
Planning before you go
Talk with your care team
Try to check in with your healthcare team a few weeks before a big trip. This is especially helpful if you take insulin or other medicines on a set schedule, or if you're crossing time zones. Ask them:
- How should I time my medications or insulin if I'm crossing time zones?
- What should I do if my meals or activity are very different from usual?
- What's my sick-day plan if I get ill while I'm away?
- How should I handle a low or a high when I'm far from home?
Please don't change your medication timing or doses on your own. Your care team can build a plan that fits your medicines, your trip, and your health.
Prescriptions, refills, and insurance
- Refill early. Ask your pharmacy whether you can refill before you leave so you don't run short mid-trip.
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions or a list of your medicines with names and doses. Generic names can help if you need help abroad, since brand names may differ.
- Check your insurance. Call your plan to ask how coverage works away from home or outside the country, and whether you might want travel health insurance.
- Find care where you're going. Note a nearby pharmacy, urgent care, or hospital at your destination.
A letter from your provider
Some people like to carry a short letter from their provider that says they have diabetes and lists the supplies and devices they use. It isn't always required, but it can make conversations at security or with a pharmacy easier. Ask your clinic if this would be useful for your trip.
Packing your diabetes supplies
Keep supplies in your carry-on
Pack your medications and diabetes supplies in a bag that stays with you, not in checked luggage. Checked bags can be delayed or lost, and the cargo hold can get very hot or cold.
Pack extra
Bring more supplies than you expect to use. Travel delays happen, and devices sometimes fail. Ask your care team how much extra makes sense for the length of your trip. If you're traveling with someone, some people split backup supplies between two bags.
Original labeled containers
Keep medications in their original pharmacy-labeled containers when you can. This helps at security and if you ever need a refill or medical help on the road.
Protect insulin and other medicines from heat and cold
Insulin and some other medicines can lose strength if they get too hot or freeze. Never leave them in a hot car, in direct sun, or in a checked bag. Follow the storage directions on your product's label or package insert, and ask your pharmacist about travel cases if you'll be somewhere very hot or cold. Your meter, test strips, and CGM may also have temperature limits listed in their instructions.
Your traveling with diabetes packing checklist
Copy this list into your phone or onto a card before you pack:
- All medications, in original labeled containers, plus extra
- Insulin and pen needles or syringes, if you use them, plus extra
- Glucose meter, test strips, lancets, and spare batteries
- CGM sensors and/or pump supplies, plus extra, and your charger
- Fast-acting carbs for treating lows, as advised in your care plan
- Glucagon or other emergency medicine, if prescribed
- Healthy snacks for delays
- Insulated travel case for temperature-sensitive medicines
- Copies of prescriptions or a medication list with generic names
- Provider letter, if you have one
- Insurance card, photo ID, and your care team's phone numbers
- Medical ID bracelet, necklace, or wallet card
- Sick-day plan from your care team
- Sharps container or a sturdy bottle for used needles and lancets
- Comfortable shoes and socks for walking
- A water bottle you can refill after security
We're working on a printable travel checklist, so keep an eye on our free resources page.
Getting through airport security
In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows travelers to bring diabetes medications and supplies, including liquid medicines, through security. Rules can change, so check the TSA website before you fly.
- Tell the officer at the start of screening that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies.
- Keep supplies together in a clear bag or easy-to-reach pouch so they're simple to check.
- Ask about other options if you wear a CGM or insulin pump. You can ask for a hand inspection of devices instead of putting them through screening machines.
- Check your device instructions. Some device makers give specific guidance about airport scanners and X-ray machines, so read it before you go.
Traveling internationally? Rules differ from country to country, so check with your airline and the destination's guidance ahead of time.
Keeping your routine across time zones
Long days, missed meals, and jet lag can all affect your glucose. Everyone's response is different, so it helps to check a bit more often while you travel, as your care team advises.
- Keep your watch or phone on home time during travel days if that's part of the plan your care team gave you.
- Set reminders on your phone for medicines and glucose checks.
- Move when you can. Walk around the airport or stretch on long flights or drives. Our walking routine guide has easy ideas.
- Jot quick notes about meals, activity, and readings so you can spot patterns and share them later.
Eating well while you're away
You don't have to eat perfectly on vacation. A few simple habits can help you enjoy local food and still feel good:
- Pack snacks that travel well, like nuts, cheese sticks, or whole fruit, for delays.
- Build your plate around vegetables and a protein when you can, then add the carbs you enjoy.
- Drink water often, especially in hot weather or on flights.
- If you drink alcohol, ask your care team how it may affect you, and don't drink on an empty stomach.
- Look up restaurant menus ahead of time if that helps you plan.
Have a sick-day plan
Getting sick on a trip can affect your glucose. Before you leave, ask your care team for a sick-day plan that covers how often to check, what to eat and drink, and when to call for help. Keep it with your supplies, and share it with a travel companion.
When to talk to your care team
Reach out to your care team before you go if you're crossing several time zones, starting a new medicine, or planning lots of new activity. While you're away, contact them or local medical help if you have repeated lows or highs, signs of illness you can't manage with your sick-day plan, or trouble getting your medicines. If you have signs of a low, like shakiness, sweating, or confusion, follow your care team's plan. Severe low blood sugar is an emergency, so call 911 or the local emergency number.
It also helps to bring your travel notes to your next visit. Our guide on what to bring to your diabetes appointment shows how to share them. Safe travels, and enjoy the trip.
