Prepare for Your Trip with Diabetes

Traveling can get you out of your normal diabetes routine, and delayed meals, unfamiliar foods, different time zones, and changes to activities can all impact your blood sugar.1

With proper planning and organization, you can pack your bags confidently and set off on your next adventure with peace of mind! 

 

Quick links

Talk to your doctor Arrow icon
Learn and inform Arrow icon
Packing list Arrow icon
What to wear Arrow icon
Storage of insulin Arrow icon

Talk to your doctor

Before you head out, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with your doctor and to share your travel plans and destination with them, and ask for extra medication just in case anything unexpected comes up. If you need any vaccinations, be sure to get them at least a month before your departure.2

Ask your doctor for a prescription (if possible, written in English) and a certificate listing all the medical supplies you’ll be bringing with you, especially if you're flying. If you use sensors or pumps, make sure you have permission to skip the Airport scanner.3

Ensure you discuss time zones as your doctor can explain to you the steps you need to take with insulin and meals depending on your specific time change.3

 

Learn and inform

  • Learn more about the destination: Check for specific health guidelines for the country that you are visiting. You can do this via foreign travel advice sources, e.g. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.4
  • Learn more about the climate and humidity, as well as nearest doctor and emergency clinics.
  • Learn how to update your meter: Before your trip, make sure you know how to update the time on your glucose meter. You'll find a website address and customer service number on the back of both devices, and most companies offer online user guides. Wait until the day of travel to adjust the time on your devices, and consult your healthcare provider about the best time to make this change during your travel day. It's crucial to update the time on your insulin pump to ensure that your basal rates and bolus settings align with your meal and sleep schedule.
  • Learn how to obtain medical assistance in an emergency: Learn enough of the language to request help.
  • Inform your travel companions about your diabetes and the potential risks of low blood glucose. Educate them on the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and provide clear instructions for treatment. Make sure they know how and when to administer glucagon. Keep glucagon and glucose tablets in an easily accessible spot for both you and your companions during the trip.5
 

Packing list

Pack your diabetes care items in a carry-on bag (not in checked luggage) and it is recommended to bring twice the amount of supplies you anticipate needing.

 

Essential items for the packing list

Items marked with an asterisk should be kept in a "mini-kit" that is easily accessible.

  • Glucose monitoring equipment* (meter and strips) – including extra batteries
  • Vials and/or pens of your long- and rapid-acting insulins*
  • Insulin syringes and/or pen needles* (pack twice as many as you think you may need)
  • Testing equipment for ketones
  • Glucose tablets or gel*
  • A letter stating you have diabetes that specifies:
    • Your need for daily injections and that you must carry a supply of medication and syringes
    • Any allergies
  • Spare prescriptions for syringes and insulin with dosing instructions
  • First-aid medication or first aid kit
  • Medical Identification – A bracelet or necklace stating medical diagnosis, allergies and a list of medications including insulin may be beneficial, especially in an emergency.5
  • Travel insurance2
  • A list of emergency telephone numbers including your doctor’s2
  • Snacks: enough snacks to cover delayed meals, such as crackers and fruit6 as well as sugar packs and energy bars2
Make sure to keep all your medications in properly-labeled containers.

What to wear

Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes – and make sure to examine your feet daily while traveling!

Shoes with stacked heels and rubber soles offer more comfort than flat shoes or those with thin heels. Opt for well-fitting sneakers or athletic shoes paired with cotton socks for optimal support and cushioning.

Make it a habit to check your feet daily, focusing on the heels and soles. If you notice any redness, apply a moleskin bandage to protect the area from further irritation. Any cuts or breaks in the skin should be treated promptly to prevent complications.5

 

Storage of insulin

Keep your insulin (or other medication) at the right temperature at all times!

While traveling with insulin, make sure that your insulin is not in extreme hot or cold environment. Keep insulin vials in cold packs storage until you open it. Once a vial is opened, it can be stored in a cool place below 30°C. Some insulins must be used within 10 days if it is stored at room temperature so ask your doctor if your particular insulin has a shorter or longer lifespan. Know beforehand which measures you need to undertake depending on the climate you are travelling to and the specific medication you are bringing.

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and health condition.

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References:

1. CDC. Tips for Traveling With Diabetes. Published May 15, 2024. Accessed Mach 24, 2025. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/tips-for-traveling-with-diabetes.html

2. Health Hub (Ministry of Health Singapore). Travelling with Diabetes. Published November 15, 2022. Accessed Mach 24, 2025. Available from: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/travelling-with-diabetes

3. IDF. Travelling and Diabetes. Published December 21, 2020. Accessed Mach 24, 2025. Available from: https://idf.org/europe/media/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/AwarenessPaper-DiabetesAndTravelling-21Dec2020_compressed.pdf

4. Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation. Travelling with diabetes. Accessed Mach 24, 2025. Available from: https://www.drwf.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/travelling-with-diabetes/

5. UCLA Health. Diabetes - Guidelines for Travel. Accessed Mach 24, 2025. Available from: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/endocrinology/diabetes/type-1-diabetes/guidelines-travel

6. Diabetes Canada. Air travel. Accessed Mach 24, 2025. Available from: https://www.diabetes.ca/learn-about-diabetes/your-rights/air-travel