Diabetes and Travel

Travelling with diabetes needs some extra preparation, but proper planning can make the trip safe, enjoyable, and stress-free. Change in routine, meal timing, physical activity, time zones, altitude, and weather can affect sugar levels when travelling.  Planning ahead can help avoid problems with blood sugar during vacation.  

At least 1 month before travelling, it is best to meet with the healthcare provider to review the travel plan and discuss diabetes management for the trip. This can help ensure that medications and supplies are prepared properly for travel. 

Travel Tips  

1. Things to Discuss with the Healthcare Provider 

• The travel plan and diabetes management during the trip 
• The need for extra diabetes supplies
• Medication especially when travelling across time zones. 
  • For insulin users, less insulin may be needed if travelling east (as hours are lost, with a shorter day on the day of travel) and more may be needed if travelling west (as and are gained with a longer day on the day of travel). 
• An official looking letter for border officials that explains the need to carry diabetes supplies, medications, needles, pens, lancets, and fast-acting sugar such as juice, glucose tablets or candies during the flight.   

2. Bring extra diabetes supplies: Pack at least double the usual amount of pills, injectable medications, and supplies (pump supplies, CGM sensors, test strips, insulin needles and lancets, alcohol swabs) in case of delays or problems.  

3. Keep supplies in a carry-on bag: Carry-on bags help prevent loss of important supplies and protect drugs that might be damaged by very hot or cold temperatures (like insulin) if in checked luggage. 

4. Check blood sugar more often: Travel, stress, and changes in meals or activity can affect blood sugar levels. 

5. Carry fast-acting sugar and snacks: Glucose tablets, juice, or candies can help treat low blood sugar quickly. Snacks like granola bars or crackers can help if meals are late or not available.  

6. Drink enough water: Staying hydrated is important, especially during flights or in hot weather. 

7. Wear medical identification: A medical alert bracelet or ID card can alert others to the presence of diabetes during an emergency. 

8. Tell travel companions about diabetes. Travel companions should know the signs of low blood sugar and how to help if it happens. 

With preparation and guidance from the diabetes healthcare team, people living with diabetes can travel confidently while maintaining safe blood sugar control. 

About the author

Princess Diana Millar-Matias

Princess Diana Millar-Matias is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Diabetes Educator. She currently works at the Diabetes Care and Research Program at Hamilton Health Sciences. She has a background in Cardiac Surgery and Occupational Health, which guided her practice in providing compassionate and evidence-based care. She is passionate about empowering people to take an active role in their health through a supportive education and believes in the power of learning and shared knowledge as tools for transformation.