Packing for Your Trip w/ Diabetic Supplies

Be sure to pack at least twice as much medication and blood-testing supplies as you think you will need. At least half of these should be with you in your carry-on bag, which you should have with you at all times.

When packing, be sure to include the following items:

A)  All the insulin and syringes you need for the trip.
B)  Blood and urine testing supplies; be sure to include extra batteries for your glucose meter.
C)  All oral medications.
D)  Other medications or medical supplies (see the Traveler's First Aid Kit section of this module).
E)  Your ID and diabetes identification card.
F)  A well-wrapped, airtight snack pack of crackers or cheese, peanut butter, fruit, a juice box, and some form of sugar (hard candy or glucose tablets) to treat low blood glucose.

Before you fly, be sure to request a special meal low in sugar, fat, and cholesterol at least 48 hours in advance.

Always carry some food with you in case your meal is delayed or there is a mistake in your order. Wait until you see your food coming down the aisle to take your insulin shot, otherwise, if your meal is delayed, you could experience low blood glucose.

Plan for Crossing Time Zone and Storage of Insulin:

If you take insulin shots and will be crossing time zones, talk to your physician or healthcare professional before your trip. Ask for help, based on your itinerary, in planning the timing of your injections while you travel. Eastbound travel means a shorter day, so if you inject insulin, you may need less. Traveling westbound means a longer day, so more insulin may be needed. To help you keep track of shots and meals through changing time zones, keep your watch on your home time zone until the morning after you arrive.

Checking blood sugar while traveling is just as important as when at home. It is important to check blood sugar soon after landing as jet lag may make it difficult to tell if your blood sugar is very low or very high.

Insulin does not need to be refrigerated, but should not be stored in very hot or very cold temperatures. It is important to store insulin properly, and you should not store insulin in the glove compartment or trunk of a car, or in backpacks and other bags that could be exposed to the elements. Many travel packs are available to keep insulin cool.