Traveling with Diabetes: Tips and Tricks to Keep Blood Sugar Steady

Traveling with Diabetes: Tips and Tricks to Keep Blood Sugar Steady

It’s SUMMERTIME! It’s that time of year when people everywhere kick off their shoes, put up their feet, and take a breather from their day-to day. Whether you prefer a road trip, a long flight, or a stay-cation, traveling with diabetes doesn’t need to be a challenge. This month, I discuss strategies to make your summer vacation plans smooth sailing, all while keeping your blood sugar in range! Let’s dive in! [you get all the puns, right?]

The key to stress-free travel with diabetes is to take some time to plan ahead. Much of this has to do with what to pack, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Your mindset and ‘can-do’ spirit are the first part of the challenge [see last month’s blog about feeling successful at managing your diabetes here], packing and preparing does the rest.

Let’s dive in! [another summer pun!]

Before You Travel

The following is a list of things that are a good idea to have ready for your trip. It takes a bit of planning, but you can keep this information all together for future traveling as well.

• Make sure you are up to date with your diabetes follow-up appointments before traveling. This will help you understand where your blood sugars currently stand and make any necessary adjustments. Ask for a letter explaining your condition for use at airport security if needed.

• Carry your insurance card with you.

• Locate a pharmacy in the city or town where you will be staying, and ensure that you will be able to get medications there if needed. Have copies of prescriptions for medications you take in case you need to replace something that gets lost or damaged.

• Keep emergency numbers accessible.

• Wear a medical ID bracelet.

Pack Your Carry-on

Be sure to bring enough supplies to cover your trip and then some. Bringing TWICE as much as you need is a good idea, and is insurance against any travel delays or mishaps that could occur. In your carry-on or front seat of the car, you should have:

• Lancets

• Test strips

• Your blood sugar meter

• Glucose tablets or gel

• Insulin

• Syringes/Pen needles

• Injectable or Oral Medications

• Replacement CGM’s/Pump Supplies

Navigating Air Travel

This can be the most stress-inducing part of any air travel. So that you can breeze right through TSA, be sure to:

• Inform TSA Officials about your condition and that you are carrying supplies.

• Know that insulin and other liquid medicines are exempt from the 3.4 oz rule, but could require additional screening. They do not have to go through the x-ray machine, but they will conduct a visual inspection and may also test your hands for traces of explosives.

• CGM’s and pumps are allowed, but could be damaged by x-ray machines. Instead, request a physical pat-down, keeping in mind that it could add a little extra time to your screening [this may be required anyhow]. Check out the TSA.gov website for more information.

• Having a letter from your health care provider could smooth the way, but is not required.

Once you have sailed through TSA screening, you are well on your way to an amazing vacation! Don’t forget the following to keep yourself feeling good for the duration!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

• Stay active - Take a stroll up and down the aisle on the plane or train to stretch your legs about once an hour. It also can’t hurt to do some standing squats while you are up there! If traveling by car, make stops to stretch and use the bathroom when needed.

• Hydrate - Make sure you are drinking plenty of water! Drinking water before, during, and after your flight can help combat the dehydration we experience when flying. Becoming dehydrated can lead to a higher concentration of glucose in the bloodstream, resulting in higher blood sugar readings. Stay away from alcohol, which can cause your blood sugar to be dysregulated.

• Supplies/Meds - Be sure to continue to take your meds on the existing schedule. When you change time zones, make the necessary adjustments.

• Snacks - Be sure to pack blood-sugar-friendly snacks to have on the plane, keeping in mind the TSA rules and regulations. For example, peanut butter and an apple is a great snack choice, but peanut butter is still considered a liquid at TSA. Look for low or no-carb options in the airport stores–it might be tough to find them, but a pack of cheese and some nuts will do the trick!

• Have treatment for low blood sugar readily available when traveling because unexpected delays, changes in routine, or increased activity can raise your risk of a low. Having quick-acting carbs like glucose tabs or juice on hand ensures you're prepared to treat a low immediately—no matter where you are—helping you stay safe and avoid emergencies.

• Compression Socks/Comfortable Shoes - Invest in a pair of compression socks you can wear on the plane to keep the circulation going in your feet. Standing and walking around every hour will also help with blood flow. Comfortable shoes are a must! Remember, chances are that you’ll be wearing them a lot, and walking a lot, while traveling. A little comfort goes a long way!

When You Arrive

Once you are at your destination, first of all, ENJOY IT! And the best way to enjoy it? Feel GREAT! Feeling great comes from controlling your blood sugar and taking care of yourself!

Other points to consider:

• Time Zone Adjustments - If you are traveling to a different time zone, be sure to adjust your meds and eating schedule to local time as soon as you are able. In the meantime, keep a close eye on your blood sugar and adjust meds/food as needed.

• Food/Water Safety - If you are traveling somewhere remote, be sure to understand the food safety and water cleanliness when choosing what to eat and drink. People with diabetes are more vulnerable to getting ill because higher blood sugars can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.

• Rest - We know you are looking forward to the adventure of a lifetime, but you will still need to REST! Alternate super busy days with some with more down time. Also, if you are in extreme temperatures, be conscious of how this might [could] affect your blood sugar. Keep an eye on how you are feeling and your sugar readings. You know your body well enough to know when something is off. Paying attention to this will be your guide.

• Know Where to Go - Be aware of where you would be able to receive medical care if needed. It is also a good idea to learn to say ‘I have diabetes’ in the local language. Better safe than sorry!

Having diabetes is NOT a reason to avoid adventure in your life! Find the things you love to do, places you want to see, and experiences you want to have and plan them! With these tips you will be walking on sunshine your whole journey, and beyond!

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