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  • With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators

    Nancy Klobassa, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

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  • May 5, 2009

    Blog: Be prepared for traveling with diabetes

    By Nancy Klobassa, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

9 comments posted

It's spring and the school year is almost over. Many of us are thinking about travel plans this summer. Unfortunately, you can't leave your diabetes behind.

Whether you go camping or cruising, you can go anywhere and do almost anything. It just takes a little planning ahead to handle traveling with diabetes.

My son, who has type 1 diabetes, has been to Ukraine and Russia. Diabetes doesn't stop him from travel, but he has to plan carefully before going overseas. Here are some travel tips from the National Diabetes Education Program:

Plan ahead

  • Immunizations: Find out what is required for where you're going, and make sure you get the right shots, on time.
  • Visit with your healthcare provider for a checkup four to six weeks prior to your trip to make sure your A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol are in a good health range before you leave.
  • Ask your healthcare provider for a prescription and a letter explaining your diabetes medications, supplies, and any allergies. Carry this with you at all times on your trip. The prescription should be for insulin or diabetes medications and could help in case of an emergency.
  • Wear a diabetes medical identification. The identification should be written in the languages of the places you are visiting.
  • Time zones: Make sure you'll always know when to take your diabetes medicine, no matter where you are. Remember: eastward travel means a shorter day. If you inject insulin, less may be needed. Westward travel means a longer day, so more insulin may be needed.
  • Carry enough food to cover the entire flight time in case of delays or unexpected schedule changes.

Pack properly

  • Take twice the amount of diabetes medication and supplies that you'd normally need. Better to be safe than sorry.
  • Keep your insulin cool by packing it in an insulated bag with refrigerated gel packs.
  • Keep snacks, glucose gel, or tablets with you in case your blood glucose drops.
  • If you use insulin, make sure you also pack a glucagon emergency kit.
  • Make sure you keep your medical insurance card and emergency phone numbers handy.
  • Pack a first aid kit with all the essentials.

When flying

  • Plan to carry all your diabetes supplies in your carry-on luggage. Don't risk a lost suitcase.
  • Have all syringes and insulin delivery systems (including vials of insulin) clearly marked with the pharmaceutical preprinted label that identifies the medications. The FAA recommends that patients travel with their original pharmacy labeled packaging.
  • Keep your diabetes medications and emergency snacks with you in your seat — don't store them in the overhead bin.
  • If no food is offered on your flight, bring a meal on board yourself.
  • If you plan on using the restroom for insulin injections, ask for an aisle seat for easier access.
  • When drawing up your insulin, don't inject air into the bottle (the air on your plane will probably be pressurized).
  • Prescription laws may be very different in other countries. Write for a list of International Diabetes Federation groups: IDF, 166 Chaussee de la Hulpe, B-1170, Brussels, Belgium or info@idf.org or www.idf.org.
  • Insulin in foreign countries comes in different strengths. If you purchase insulin in a foreign country, be sure to use the right syringe for the strength. An incorrect syringe may cause you to take too much or too little insulin.

Road trips

  • Don't leave your medications in the trunk, glove compartment, or near a window as they might overheat. Medications can be kept in a cooler.
  • Bring extra food along in case you can't find a restaurant.

General traveling tips

  • Stay comfortable and reduce your risk for blood clots by moving around every hour or two.
  • Always tell at least one person traveling with you about your diabetes.
  • Protect your feet. Never go barefoot in the shower or pool.
  • Check your blood glucose often. Changes in diet, activity, and time zones can affect your blood glucose in unexpected ways.

Emergencies happen. While in Ukraine, my son had appendicitis and had to have an emergency appendectomy.  Because of the different strength insulin in Ukraine, he was allowed to use his own insulin. What have been your experiences when traveling with diabetes?

- Peggy

9 comments posted

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