Travel Tips for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Intro

Travel with T1D is absolutely doable with good prep. The key is redundancy (spares of everything), temperature control for insulin, and a plan for time zones and sick days.

Key Points

Pack double the supplies you think you’ll need, split between carry-on bags.
Keep insulin cool but not frozen; never check it into the hold.
Adjust basal/bolus for long flights and time-zone shifts.
Carry a letter for airport security plus travel insurance that covers diabetes.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Prescriptions & letters: clinician letter listing diagnosis, devices (pump/CGM), and medications.
Insurance: confirm it covers diabetes emergencies and supplies abroad.
Vaccines & destination risks: check any needed vaccines and access to care.
Emergency contacts: local clinic/hospital info; save numbers in your phone.

Packing — The “Two of Everything” Rule

Insulin: at least 2× expected amount; split across bags.
Delivery: spare pump (if available) or MDI backup (pens/syringes + pen needles).
Meters/CGM: extra sensors, transmitter (if applicable), test strips, lancets, alcohol swabs.
Power: chargers, spare batteries, power bank, travel adapters.
Hypo treatment: glucose tabs/gel, small juices; keep within reach at all times.
Sick-day kit: ketone strips (blood/urine), thermometer, antiemetic (if prescribed).
Cooling: Frio pouch or small cooler packs for insulin (avoid direct ice).

Airport Security & In-Flight

Keep all diabetes supplies in carry-on with your letter.
Pumps/CGMs: many manufacturers advise hand inspection instead of X-ray/body scanners; check your device guidance.
Tell cabin crew you have T1D; bring snacks in case of delays.
Avoid dosing rapid insulin right before takeoff/landing if you might be interrupted—plan timing.

Time Zones & Long Flights

For basal insulin (MDI) across time zones:
- If traveling east (shorter day): take the next basal dose a bit earlier, splitting the difference if needed.
- West (longer day): take the next dose a bit later; small temporary top-ups may be required if running high.
Pumps: set local time on landing; consider temp basal adjustments during travel day.
Bolus timing: match to local meals as soon as practical.

Individual plans vary—use the approach your clinician has given you.

Heat, Cold, and Altitude

Heat: insulin degrades >30°C (86°F). Use a cooling pouch; don’t leave in cars/sun.
Cold: don’t freeze insulin; keep close to body in very cold climates.
Altitude: sensor/pump adhesives may loosen—carry overpatches; pressure changes can cause small bubbles in tubing (prime/check sites).

Illness & Sick-Day Rules

Check glucose and ketones more often if unwell.
Keep hydrated (electrolytes if vomiting/diarrhea).
Follow your correction plan; seek medical care if ketones persist or you can’t keep fluids down.

Eating Different Foods

Estimate carbs conservatively for unfamiliar cuisines; prefer finger-stick confirmation if CGM readings seem off.
Alcohol can cause delayed hypos—eat with drinks and check before bed.

When to Seek Urgent Care Abroad

Vomiting with persistent positive ketones.
Signs of DKA (abdominal pain, deep breathing, confusion).
Repeated severe hypos needing assistance.

FAQ

Can I bring needles and glucagon on board?
Yes—with a clinician letter and meds in original packaging.

What if my insulin overheats?
Discard if exposed to extreme heat; use backup supply kept in a cooling pouch.

Do I need to change basal on the plane?
Often not for short flights. For long-haul/time-zone shifts, follow your personalized plan (temp basal on pumps, timing tweaks on MDI).