How to Travel with Type 1 Diabetes

By: SaRene Brooks

It is so fun to get away from the routine responsibilities of everyday life.

Whether it’s a quick overnighter or an extended vacation, traveling is important for overall well-being. Diabetes does not need to get in the way of the excitement

surrounding travel plans. While you don’t get to leave your diabetes at home,

you can put your anxiety aside as you prepare to get away.

Start with a plan

This begins long before you start packing. Be sure to always have plenty of extra diabetes supplies on-hand so that when you do have the chance to travel, you have plenty to spare. Nothing adds more to the anxiety than trying to gather up additional supplies at the last minute.

Be sure to pack all supplies in your carry-on in the unfortunate event that your luggage does not make it to your destination. You do not want to be without all your necessities as it is difficult to replace diabetes supplies when you not at home.

Pack extras of EVERYTHING you would ever use to manage your diabetes. The number of extra is dependent on each situation. Think of the MOST you would need in the event of some type of faulty equipment or other mishap. If you wear a pump, have a plan so you can administer insulin with a syringe if needed. This would include some type of long-acting insulin or written instructions on how to manage with short-acting.

Airplanes and Flying

Learn what is required in regards to flying with the specific diabetes equipment you have. Pack your supplies in gallon zip-top bags so it is clear what you are carrying. I recommend protecting your insulin vial in a silicone protective case. There are several varieties to choose from. This will keep the insulin bottle from being damaged while traveling and prevent it from shattering in the event it is accidentally dropped.

The following information was taken from each company’s website. Always be sure you fully understand how to safely travel with your specific device so it is not damaged.

Dexcom G6

Hand-wanding, pat-downs, and visual inspections can all be used. Because ALL walk-through scanners have not been tested for safety, Dexcom recommends hand-wanding or a full-body pat-down. Let the security officer know that the sensor cannot be removed because it is inserted under the skin. Do NOT put your CGM through the x-ray machines.

To use your smart devise or receiver to get sensor glucose information while on the plane, switch your smart device to airplane mode and turn Bluetooth ON. Keep your receiver on.

For a Notice of Medical Device click HERE and you can have it filled out by your physician to be presented to airport security to better explain your Dexcom system.

Click HERE for more information on Dexcom G6 and flying.

Freestyle Libre

When flying, you can put your Freestyle Libre sensors in your carry-on bag. You can go through x-ray machines while wearing a sensor. It is recommended you notify security personnel when going though airport security screening.

It is also recommended that readers be powered off during a flight and not used for scanning.

For more information on Freestyle Libre click HERE.

Tandem Insulin Pump

Your device is safe for use during air travel and complies with FAA wireless transmission standards. It can safely be carried through metal detectors. Your pump should NOT be put through x-ray machines, luggage scanning machines and full-body scanners. It is recommended that you disconnect your pump at the infusion site and ask the security agent for an alternative screening method. You can also notify your agent about your pump and request to go through a standard metal detector wearing your pump.

For more information about traveling with a Tandem pump click HERE. This resource also includes a printout of information about your pump to show the agent during screening.

Medtronic

Going through security

• You can continue to wear your insulin pump or CGM system while going through common security systems such as an airport metal detector as it will not harm the device or trigger an alarm. Do not send the devices through the x-ray machine.

• You need to remove your insulin pump and CGM (sensor and transmitter) while going through an airport body scanner. If you do not wish to remove your devices, you may request an alternative pat-down screening process.

• Notify security screeners that you have diabetes, that you are wearing an insulin pump and are carrying supplies with you.

On the plane:

Insulin pumps and blood glucose meters

When on an airplane, you should go to Utilities > Connect Devices > Meters pump screen, select OFF, and press ACT to unlink your meter from your insulin pump. Manually test your glucose levels using a blood glucose meter.

Personal CGM

If you wear a CGM device, it is typically safe for use on commercial airlines. Click HERE for an airport information card. If they still request that you turn off your CGM device, you must comply.

If you are asked to turn off your CGM device, you will have a "data gap" when uploading data into the Care Link personal software.

Click HERE to learn more about traveling with Medtronic devices.

Tips for the Airport

1. ALWAYS contact your airline so you will know their policies

2. You can contact TSA Cares and notify them you are coming and what specific needs you have. The USA hotline for TSA Cares is 1-855-787-2227

3. Remember to adjust your time on your devices when you travel to different time zones once you have landed

4. Be sure to check your blood glucose frequently or pay attention to your CGM as the hassle of traveling, stress, time changes, altering meal times, activity levels and type of food can all affect your diabetes control

5. Be patient with screening procedures

6. Even though liquids are permitted to correct lows, pack other forms of quick carbs such as glucose tablets and hard candies.

Know Your Rights:

All diabetes supplies are allowed on the plane with you

Liquids such as juice boxes and gels used for low treatments are allowed even if they exceed 3.4 oz. Keep these in a separate clear zip-top bag and declare them at the checkpoint

You can also find useful travel information from the American Diabetes Association by clicking HERE

Cruise Ships

Learn the lingo of sailing. This may not have an impact on your diabetes management but it will save you lots of stress and wandering about the ship.

Aft: The rear of the ship

Forward: The front of the ship

Port: The left-side of the ship when facing forward

(I remember this because “port” and “left” both have 4 letters)

Starboard: The right-side of the ship when facing forward

If you are going on a cruise, become familiar with the ship

Always have extra snacks on-hand to treat lows just like you would normally do. There is the notion that food is available 24-7 on a cruise ship. This may not apply to the buffets. Be sure to know what is available, where it is located and what the hours of operation are and do not rely on the fact that there is always food handy. There are too many variables such as food choices are more limited when changing from breakfast to lunch and then lunch to dinner or the buffet area may be crowded and many buffets are no longer self-serve.

There is usually sugar-free desserts in the buffet. Just remember that sugar-free does not mean “carb-free”. Make sure to have a good assessment of the sugar-free foods so you can have a valid estimation of carbs.

The food staff is always willing to accommodate special food needs. If you have dietary restrictions such as with celiac disease or a peanut allergy, always let your food server know ahead of time so they can be sure your food was prepared in a safe manner for you. If you have questions on the method your food was prepared, just ask. Don’t feel you are being an inconvenience.

Excursions:

Make sure to have plenty of fun while you are traveling. Taking excursions can be a great way to see the area and get some time on land. Whether taking an excursion or venturing out on your own, always plan to be off the ship longer than planned. Maybe you will decide to shop a little longer, or the excursion transportation is delayed. I recommend taking a small day pack where you can keep your water bottle, food for the time you are away and your diabetes supplies. Be sure to stay hydrated and take in plenty of calories.

Road Trips

If you are driving on vacation plan some rest-stops along the way. This will allow you to get out, stretch and walk around a bit. Don’t be afraid to try new foods in local restaurants. Just take what you already know about insulin dosing and apply it. For unfamiliar foods, do some online research.

Don’t Expect Perfection

Your blood sugars may not be perfect while traveling. There will be many variables in your schedule and even small things such time zone differences and climate change will make an impact. Regardless of what you encounter, go and enjoy then adjust as needed.

And most of all, DON’T be hard on yourself.

It takes a team!

As you plan your vacation, enlist those you are traveling with to be a part of your diabetes team. Let them know more about your diabetes and how you manage it. Explain to them what it means if you are low and how they can help. Then go an enjoy your vacation!

SaRene Brooks is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). She is a mom of 3 boys who are now married which added 3 girls to her family. 2 of her sons live with type 1 diabetes (T1D). She specializes in helping families who are impacted by type 1 to adjust and make it a part of their everyday life , while enjoying the things they love.

She is the wife of an avid outdoorsman and loves spending time with him in the mountains. She is a grandma, creative cook, educator and loves to help individuals and families meet their health and nutrition goals.