Diabetes doesn’t have to interfere with your travels. Here are some tips to make traveling easier and more pleasant.

When traveling by car, train, bus or ship:

• Unless you are expecting extreme temperatures, your insulin does not need special storage. If the temperature will be above 86°F or below freezing, you will need to store your insulin properly.
• When expecting extreme temperatures, pack your insulin in an insulated container such as a thermos or a plastic foam container.
• Carry your insulin with you since luggage compartments can get very cold.

Flying with diabetes

• You must take special precautions to carry your diabetes equipment on airplanes. This applies for domestic flights within the continental United States and flights to Hawaii and Alaska.

How to travel safely with your diabetes equipment:

• Notify the security screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you.
• Do not put your diabetes supplies in your checked luggage. It is best to carry your supplies in your carry-on bag. Luggage compartments on planes can get very cold and harm your insulin. Also, your luggage could get lost.
• To bring insulin on the plane, you must have a professionally printed prescription label identifying the insulin. Insulin labels are often on the box containing your insulin, so remember to save your boxes.
• You also need a prescription label for other devices such as jet injectors, pens, infusers and preloaded syringes.
• Empty syringes may be carried onboard if you also have insulin in your possession.
• Lancets, blood glucose monitors and blood glucose test strips can be carried through security checkpoints.
• Lancets can be boarded as long as they are capped and accompanied by a glucose monitor that bears the manufacturer’s name.
• If you have an insulin pump, it will need to be inspected. Ask that they inspect your pump while it is on your body, so you do not have to physically detach it.

Other Safety Tips for Traveling:

• Always wear comfortable shoes and check your feet daily. When on the beach, wear sandals or water shoes at all times.
• Wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
• Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can trigger hypoglycemia episodes.
• Always carry a source of carbohydrate with you at all times in case hypoglycemia occurs. Good sources are orange juice, non-diet soda with sugar, glucose tablets and hard candy.
• Wear your diabetes identification jewelry.
• If you have Type 1 diabetes, carry a glucagon kit with you in case of emergencies.
• Always carry a list of medications you are currently taking as well as your doctor’s contact information. This way you will have this information easily accessible if you need it or someone else needs to know this information about you.
• In case you need to obtain additional supplies, bring an extra prescription with you for your insulin, diabetes supplies and your other medications.
• Educate your traveling companion(s) about your special needs while traveling. It is also important for these individuals traveling with you to know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, so they can be aware of when you may need extra care or assistance.
• If possible, plan your meals ahead of your arrival. Many restaurants and resorts are very willing to accommodate any special dietary requests.
• Bring a supply of nutritious snacks, so you won’t make poor food choices when traveling.
• Since you are likely to be off your regular routine, monitor your blood glucose often and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
• If you will be traveling across many time zones, consult your Medicine Shoppe pharmacist on guidance for making this transition.
• Have fun and enjoy yourself!

Contact Your Local Diabetes Specialist For Answers Regarding Your Future Travel Plans