Our Tips for a Stress-Free Trip
Traveling is an exciting adventure, but for people with type 1 diabetes, it can also be a source of additional stress. From changing time zones to unexpected meals, there are several factors to consider to ensure a safe and hassle-free trip.
The Challenges of Travel for People with Diabetes
Plan Your Trip Carefully. Whether it lasts a weekend or several weeks, the process of packing your gear follows the same steps.
One of the biggest challenges for travelers with type 1 diabetes is making sure they have enough medical supplies to last the duration of their trip. This includes a supply of insulin, catheters, needles, glucose and acetone test strips, backup glucose meters, glucagon, and so on.
How do you determine the required inventory?
Start by determining the exact duration of your trip. Then review the medical supplies you use regularly to manage your diabetes.
Next, estimate your daily usage: Based on your usual treatment regimen, estimate the amount of each medical supply you use each day.
For example, how many units of insulin do you use each day? How many glucose test strips do you use to monitor your blood sugar?
Multiply by the number of days of your trip: Once you’ve determined your daily usage, multiply that number by the number of days of your trip to estimate the total amount of supplies you’ll need for the entire duration of your trip.
Always allow for a safety margin: In addition to calculating the exact amount of medical supplies you’ll need, it’s important to allow for an extra safety margin to account for potential unforeseen circumstances, such as travel delays or lost supplies.
Be prepared to go through airport security: Airport security scanners shouldn’t affect your insulin pump or blood glucose meters, but it’s always a good idea to be ready to explain your medical equipment to the staff. Rest assured, these days they’re used to passengers living with type 1 diabetes.
Jet Lag and Insulin
Factors to Consider
Time Zone Changes: Traveling across time zones can disrupt your usual insulin-taking and blood glucose monitoring routines. It is important to plan ahead and adjust insulin doses accordingly to avoid episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
When you fly east: Your day is shortened by the number of hours of the time difference. Taking your long-acting insulin earlier than usual to avoid hypoglycemia may be a helpful strategy.
When you fly west: Your day is extended by the number of hours of the time difference. You may need to delay your insulin dose to avoid hypoglycemia. You may also want to consider adjusting your rapid-acting insulin dose before a meal if the meal is scheduled later than usual.
Food Abroad
Discover the Local Cuisine
Discovering foreign cuisine is one of the great pleasures of travel. But your meals may be irregular, and the foods will certainly be different from what you’re used to. This can make it harder to manage your blood sugar. In addition, language barriers can make it difficult to understand the nutritional information on local foods. Consider looking up the word “carbohydrates” in the language of the country you’re visiting—this will help you understand the nutrition facts labels.Please note that during the flight, there may be long gaps between meals, which can affect your blood sugar levels. Be sure to have healthy snacks on hand, such as nuts or low-sugar granola bars.
When flying, stay hydrated and active
During the flight, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can affect your blood sugar levels. The air on the plane is almost completely devoid of moisture. Did you know that flight attendants are advised to drink one liter of water for every four hours of flight time? Feel free to bring a water bottle. If it’s empty, it will pass through baggage screening, and once on board, the crew will be happy to fill it with water for you. Also try to stay active by walking around the plane or doing some stretches to stimulate blood circulation.Notify the flight crew if necessary: If you need medical assistance during the flight, please do not hesitate to notify the flight crew. Most airlines have staff trained to handle medical emergencies and will be able to provide you with the necessary assistance.
Always monitor your blood sugar closely.
This will allow you to detect any changes in your blood sugar levels and take the necessary steps to adjust your insulin doses accordingly. During the flight, changes in altitude and irregular meal times can affect your blood glucose levels.If you use an insulin pen, you'll need to adjust your long-acting insulin schedule.Be prepared to adjust your insulin doses gradually: While traveling, monitor your blood sugar levels closely to find the right balance. You'll gradually find a routine that works for you.
Safety and Access to Medical Care
Before you leave, find out the local emergency numbers. You can save them on your phone, since these days it’s often the only device we always have with us.
Another useful phone number to add to your contacts is your bank’s insurance number, for example. Be careful: in most cases abroad, you must complete the admission paperwork before receiving medical treatment, or you risk receiving a hefty bill to pay. Having your insurance policy numbers saved on your phone can save you time and money!
For trips to Europe, be sure to request a copy of your European Health Insurance Card from your health insurance provider. It will make the administrative process easier for you.
Also, ask yourself where you can find medical supplies at your destination in case of an emergency.
One last tip: it might be helpful to carry a medical ID card stating that you have diabetes. In any case, it doesn’t take up any space.
Luggage
Organize your medications and supplies: Keep your medical supplies and insulin in your carry-on luggage. Avoid checking them as checked baggage to prevent the unfortunate loss of your luggage. If you’re on a long trip, you can divide your supplies and insulin among several pieces of luggage. In that case, be sure to distribute them evenly so that each piece of luggage contains everything you need. Carry your medications and supplies in their original packaging, with labels bearing your name and instructions for use.
Ask your healthcare provider for a prescription and a diabetes certificate in English. Keep it with you at all times.
Does insulin need to be kept refrigerated during travel? What affects insulin most is significant temperature fluctuations. You can place your insulin in an insulated bag and, if necessary, ask the flight crew to provide you with ice cubes. Be careful not to let the ice cubes come into contact with your insulin pens or vials. Keep healthy snacks within reach.
For replenishing sugar levels, dextrose tablets like Gluc Hypo are ideal because they aren’t subject to regulations on transporting liquids. Being self-sufficient is invaluable!
Traveling with type 1 diabetes can be a challenge, but with careful planning and good organization, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a stress-free and safe trip. Remember to be proactive in managing your diabetes while traveling and to ask for help when needed. Have a nice trip!
