Traveling with diabetes: tips for a safe journey
Traveling is an exciting opportunity to discover new places, experience cultures, and create lasting memories. For people with diabetes—a metabolic disorder in which blood sugar levels are not properly regulated—traveling can bring additional challenges. This article provides essential information and practical tips for safe and relaxed travel with diabetes. Whether you're planning a short trip or a long journey, here you'll learn how to prepare properly and enjoy your vacation with confidence.
Table of contents
- What is diabetes?
- Challenges of traveling with diabetes
- Travel tips for people with diabetes – essential items to bring
- Summary
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body either does not produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces (type 2 diabetes). Insulin is a hormone that is necessary to transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into the body’s cells, where it serves as a source of energy. Without sufficient insulin, glucose remains in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels that can cause serious long-term health problems (CDC, 2024).
Main types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This may be due to genetic factors or triggered by environmental influences. People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond effectively to it. This form of diabetes can often be managed with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, although medication may be required in some cases.
Challenges of traveling with diabetes
People with diabetes face a number of daily challenges because they must constantly monitor and adjust their blood sugar levels to avoid health complications. These complications include both long-term risks (such as cardiovascular disease, nerve, kidney, or eye damage) and short-term health risks. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to short-term complications, which are particularly relevant during travel, such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia:
| Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) | Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) |
|---|---|
| Extreme thirst | Hunger |
| Frequent urination | Dizziness |
| Weight loss | Rapid heartbeat |
| Blurred vision | Nervousness |
| Fatigue | Shaking |
| Recurrent infections (e.g., thrush, bladder infections, skin infections) | Sweating |
| Irritability or confusion |
Sources: NHS, 2023 ; NHS, 2022
Do you have any of the above symptoms or would you like to get tested as a precaution?
The blood sugar test (HbA1c) from Homed-IQ can easily be done at home, putting you in control of your health.
Travel-related complications
When traveling with diabetes, various external factors can arise that affect health management and overall well-being:
Unexpected delays, such as transportation disruptions or time zone differences between your home and destination, can interfere with scheduled insulin injections and meals, making blood sugar control more difficult. The availability and quality of food, as well as access to medical care, can also vary in foreign countries, further complicating blood sugar regulation. In addition, airport security checks and the transport of medical supplies such as insulin and syringes can pose additional challenges for people with diabetes. Lastly, travel often affects a diabetic’s short-term activity level—for example, through prolonged sitting during transportation or due to stress and lack of sleep. These factors can influence blood sugar levels and may require adjustments to insulin doses and food intake (Landgraf, R. & Lohr, R. 2010).
This is why careful planning and preparation are especially important when traveling with diabetes to prevent potential complications.
Travel tips for people with diabetes – essential items to bring
Careful preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable trip with diabetes. Below is a list of important items you should bring:
Medications and equipment
- Sufficient insulin and other diabetes medications: Bring more insulin and syringes than you think you’ll need for the duration of your trip. Bringing double the amount is recommended to ensure you have a sufficient reserve.
- Blood glucose monitoring devices: Take along the devices you need to monitor your blood sugar. This may include a continuous glucose monitoring system (e.g., FreeStyle Libre). Don’t forget your phone and charger or additional smart devices. Alternatively, bring your regular glucose meter with enough test strips, lancets, and finger-pricking devices. Also bring spare supplies for your devices, such as replacement batteries.
Travel nutrition
- Fast-digesting foods: Useful to prevent hypoglycemia (e.g., glucose tablets, fruit juice).
- Slow-digesting foods: Help keep your blood sugar level stable over a longer period (e.g., whole grains, legumes).
- Hydration: Don’t forget to drink enough fluids while traveling.
Emergency supplies
- Emergency sugar: Carry glucose tablets or dextrose in case of low blood sugar.
- First aid kit: A kit containing band-aids, antiseptic wipes, disinfectant, and other basic medical items can be helpful while traveling.
Documentation and other essentials
- Doctor’s certificate: For certain trips, a letter from your doctor confirming your diagnosis and the need to carry medication may be useful. Especially for air travel with hand luggage or border crossings, it's important to carry a certificate for your diabetes supplies and the medication package inserts. Also note down your doctor's or diabetologist’s contact information in case you or others need to reach them.
- Travel insurance: Make sure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, including diabetes treatment. For international travel, an additional foreign health insurance policy is often advisable.
- Diabetes ID: Carry your diabetes ID when traveling so you can receive appropriate care quickly in an emergency.
- Addresses of pharmacies/clinics at your destination: Note the most important local medical facilities to ensure a smooth and safe trip.
- Cooler bag/insulin cooler: It’s recommended to store insulin at refrigerator or room temperature. When traveling to tropical or hot regions, it is advisable to bring a cooler bag or cooling pouch to keep your insulin at a safe temperature.
Throughout your trip, it is recommended to carry all of the above-mentioned medications and equipment in your hand luggage so that they are always accessible. Additionally, check your blood sugar regularly so you can respond to any changes (Deutsche Diabetes Hilfe, n.d.).
Summary
Traveling with diabetes requires careful planning and preparation so that you can enjoy your trip safely. With the right information and good preparation, you can prevent complications and enjoy a safe and pleasant holiday. Remember to pack your bags thoughtfully, research your destination in advance, and always have an emergency plan in place. That way, you can explore the world with confidence and peace of mind.
