Want to go on vacation? Spend a week at the beach, hike in the mountains, or explore a distant city. If travel requires flying, people with type 1 diabetes may want to know the inconveniences involved in traveling. But with the right planning, diabetes can’t stop a person from traveling.
Sitting breaks, flight delays, and daily changes can all affect blood sugar levels. Davida Kruger, author of The Diabetic’s Guide to Travel, says patients can manage blood sugar levels with more frequent blood sugar testing and by having snacks and drinks that are easy to eat.
Travel plans should include management of diet and medications. A doctor or diabetes educator should be consulted a month or more before departure to discuss the trip and the time zone change.
Kruger said, “If there is a time zone change, I would have people adjust to the new schedule as soon as possible.”
In general, traveling east across time zones will mean a shorter day and less insulin needed. The opposite is true when traveling west.
Kruger also offers advice for stress-free travel.
Pack insulin, blood glucose management devices, and snacks in a carry-on bag. Checked bags can be exposed to extreme temperature conditions in the cargo area of the plane and can be misplaced. Patients with type 1 diabetes can carry insulin liquid with them. Patients can carry as much insulin and blood glucose management equipment as needed.
Separate medications from non-medical liquid products and display medical labels. To respond to inquiries from airport security, have a physician or diabetes educator provide instructions indicating the medications and blood glucose control devices to be taken.
Bring spares. “I would tell people to have two copies of everything they need to bring,” Kruger said. This includes a spare blood glucose meter and batteries. If using an insulin pump, bring insulin and a syringe in case the insulin pump doesn’t work. Carry a glucagon first aid kit with a mixture of liquid injections in case you need to lower your blood sugar quickly.
Tell security that you have diabetes. You can put the insulin pump in the screening device or choose to check it manually. It may also be necessary to touch the insulin pump and perform an explosive residue test on the hand after going through the screening device.
If you have any questions, ask a passenger support specialist, who is trained to help patients.
Information to consult your doctor
- How often should I check my blood sugar while traveling?
- Do I need to make any special adjustments if my blood glucose is high or low during the trip?
- How should medications be adjusted for time zone changes?
- Do I need to take any special precautions or other medications if traveling outside of the country?