Travel Tips
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 |
Q: "Now that I’m new to insulin, can you give me some tips for traveling? I’ll be flying within the United States on vacation."
A: Often the word "vacation" might tempt you to also take a vacation from diabetes. Although this is not a good idea, there are ways to plan ahead so that diabetes doesn’t have to interfere with your having fun. Somehow flight delays, traffic, getting lost and other tourist fiascos all seem to disappear when you settle into your vacation spot—whether it is at the beach, touring historical sites, or traveling to a foreign country. Also, with recent security and safety concerns, be sure to check out the resources at the end of this newsletter for more travel details.
For Starters
It pays to plan ahead by making a list and scheduling a visit with your healthcare provider (HCP) and diabetes team.
- Take into account that eating and activity will be different while traveling. Get advice from your healthcare provider on adjusting your diabetes plan accordingly.
- Ask your diabetes team for their specific travel tips and handouts.
- If you are flying and changing time zones, it is wise to review your travel itinerary with your HCP. Be sure to know the length of the flight as well as the time difference of your travel destination. If you are traveling overseas, there may be vaccination requirements as well.
- Consider bringing a letter from your doctor about your diabetes care and what to do in an emergency.
- Get prescriptions for all your medications, diabetes supplies, and eyeglasses. If you use insulin, don’t forget a prescription for a Glucagon emergency kit. Also consider other medications for nausea, motion sickness, diarrhea, etc.
General Travel Tips
- Wear medical identification as well as have medical information in your wallet, along with your medical insurance card.
- Pack twice as much medication and blood glucose testing supplies as you think you need; sometimes getting extra diabetes supplies away from home can be difficult, especially if your insurance plan requires you to use certain vendors.
- Always carry your diabetes supplies with you. Never pack these items in checked luggage, since not only can luggage get lost, but also temperatures in the baggage hold can vary widely. For car or train trips, a good rule of thumb is: if the temperature is comfortable for you, it is probably a safe temperature for your insulin and monitoring supplies. Another option if driving is to keep your insulin and snacks (but not your meter or strips) in a small cooler chest. Check the related questions for further information on insulin storage.
- If traveling with another person—make sure the person knows about your diabetes and how to help you in case of a problem. If possible, it is also wise for this person to carry an extra set of your diabetes supplies.
- Disposal of syringes, pen needles, pump supplies, and lancets: most people bring used supplies home for proper disposal. Consider packing a small sharps container in your suitcase. Also note information under "air travel" below.
- Pack a first aid kit—and don’t forget the sunscreen.
- Consider travel insurance.
- Wear comfortable shoes—and don’t forget to practice your usual foot care.
- Plan for physical activity during travel. Always pack your walking shoes and exercise attire. If you’re traveling by plane, wear walking shoes (and bring little carry-on luggage) so you can walk the concourses at the airport. Take frequent breaks if you’re traveling by car to stretch your legs and walk. If you’re staying at a hotel, book a hotel with exercise facilities so you can keep up your routine while you’re traveling.
- Medication issues and time zone changes are very individual and should be discussed with your HCP. In general, when traveling east, you lose time so you may need less insulin; when flying west, you gain time, so you may need more insulin. Some people who take two shots/day switch to multiple shots (i.e. rapid-acting insulin with each meal and long-acting insulin once or twice a day) for their travel day. Often, if you are only on diabetes pills, you may not have to make any changes, but again, discuss this with your HCP. Insulin pump users need to remember to reset their clock on the pump to the new time; some pumpers prefer using only one basal rate during the travel day, but this practice varies.
- If you are traveling to a non-English speaking country, it is wise to carry an index card with emergency phrases, such as "I have diabetes," "please call a doctor," "I have diabetes and am having a low-sugar reaction. Please give me sugar or fruit juice."
- Always carry glucose tablets or a quick form of carbohydrate source to treat low blood glucose. Carry snacks as well (see details below).
- Regular and frequent glucose monitoring will help to keep you on track.
Snacks
- Fresh fruit
- Individual fruit juices
- Dried fruit
- Graham crackers
- Peanut butter crackers
- Pretzels
- Granola bars
- Breadsticks
- Popcorn
- Yogurt
- Muffins or bagels
- Peanut butter sandwich
Air Travel
- Travel can be unpredictable so be prepared and expect the unexpected. Since airlines have cut back on food service, it’s always wise to plan ahead and carry snacks.
- Ordering the special meal (such as diabetic, or low fat, or vegetarian): this is an individual matter, as some people prefer this while others do fine with the regular airplane fare.
- Alcohol is not recommended during flight because it is dehydrating.
- Drink plenty of liquids before and during the flight. Bottled water is always a good option.
- When flying with insulin, take into consideration that the air pressure inside the plane is lower than air pressure on the ground. With this being the case, you may not need to put as much air inside your vial as normal. Please consult with your healthcare provider for their recommendations.
- As you are well aware, there are increased security measures at airports.
Below is the most recent information about traveling with diabetes supplies. To
check ahead for updates from the Transportation Security Administration before
traveling.
- Notify the screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. The following diabetes related supplies and equipment are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened: insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products (vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, pens, infusers, and preloaded syringes), unlimited number of unused syringes when accompanied by insulin, and lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, insulin pumps, and insulin pump supplies.
- Insulin in any form or dispenser must be properly marked with a professionally printed label identifying the medication or manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label. (Note, previously, a doctor’s prescription or letter of medical necessity was required, but this rule was changed due to forgery concerns).
- Notify screeners if you are wearing an insulin pump and ask if they will visually inspect the pump since it cannot easily be disconnected (or if applicable and wearing an implantable pump which is currently still in clinical trials, inform them that this is surgically implanted).
- Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin with professionally printed labels identifying the medication or manufacturer’s name or pharmacy label.
- Advise screeners if you are experiencing low blood glucose and are in need of medical assistance.
- It is recommended that used syringes be transported in your checked baggage; however, when used syringes need to be in carry-on, ensure they are in a hard, plastic-capped container (i.e. sharps disposable container) for safety and containment.
Conclusion
This seems like a lot to have to consider. So while you’re planning your trip, keep in mind a visual picture of your pending trip—and take comfort in knowing that your careful planning will pay off so you can have a wonderful vacation. Happy Travels!
Related Questions
Insulin Storage
Q:
"I read that insulin does not have to be refrigerated. Is that true? I
thought insulin always had to be refrigerated."
Related Links
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
http://www.diabetes.org
International Diabetes Center at Park Nicollet
http://www.parknicollet.com/diabetes/
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov
Transportation Security Administration
http://www.tsa.gov
U.S. Department of Transportation
http://www.dot.gov
World Health Organization
http://www.who.int
U.S. Embassies and Consulates
http://www.travel.state.gov
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
All tradenames and trademarks not owned by Abbott Laboratories are the property of their respective owners. For details on tradenames and trademarks and their respective owners, visit the non-Abbott trademarks listing.
