9 Travel Tips for Patients with Diabetes

If you’re stressed about traveling with diabetes, you’re not alone. About 12% of people in the United States have diabetes, which can lead to complications when not managed effectively. 

The good news is that with a few smart strategies, you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your vacation. See William Condrell, MD, and our skilled experts at Condrell Primary Care in Washington, DC, or Bethesda, Maryland, for a custom diabetes treatment plan and personalized travel advice.

Here are nine travel tips that can keep your diabetes management on track, from packing medications the right way to handling long travel days like a pro. 

9 Smart ways to travel with diabetes

Here are nine simple travel tips for people with diabetes:

1. Know how to pack for flying

TSA allows diabetes-related supplies, including medications and equipment, through airport security checkpoints after being screened via hand inspection or X-rays. X-ray machines can damage insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), but you can ask for a hand inspection if you have these devices.

It’s helpful to let TSA agents know ahead of time that you have diabetes medications and equipment to help streamline the process. Keep these items separate from your other belongings and place them in a clear, sealable bag. 

Avoid checking diabetes medications and supplies at airports, as they could become damaged by pressure or extreme temperature changes.

2. Bring quick-acting sugar sources

Always carry a high-sugar snack with you in case of a blood sugar drop. Examples include raisins or other dried fruits, fresh fruit, juice, or glucose tablets.

3. Carry medical identification

Carrying a photo ID and diabetes identification card with you when traveling is always a good idea. Have the contact number for your physician on hand as well.

4. Plan ahead if you cross time zones

If you use diabetes medications across time zones, you might need to adjust the timing or dose of your medication, particularly insulin. Chat with our Condrell Primary Care team ahead of time for personalized travel advice when taking diabetes medications. 

5. Move around often

Traveling can sometimes make it difficult to keep your body moving. However, taking frequent breaks to walk and stretch your legs helps prevent blood clots, which people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing. 

6. Avoid temperature extremes

Look for opportunities to maintain controlled temperatures when traveling with diabetes.

It’s important to store your medications as directed by your care team. Avoid temperature extremes to reduce the risk of damaging your medication, which can make it less effective. 

Avoid exposing your body to high temperatures, sunburns, and dehydration, as these conditions can all impact your blood sugar. Keep an eye on the temps if you travel somewhere hot, drink plenty of water, and find ways to stay cool. 

7. Check your blood sugar regularly

Traveling can remove you from your typical daily routine, which could affect your blood sugar levels. It’s important to check your blood sugar often, especially when vacationing, and adjust your medications as needed based on instructions by your medical provider.

8. Take care of your feet

People with diabetes have an increased risk of nerve damage, foot sores (ulcers), and other foot problems. Take good care of your feet when traveling by wearing comfortable shoes, examining your feet regularly, and not walking barefoot outdoors. 

9. Pack extra medication

It’s helpful to pack more medications than you think you’ll need when you’re on the road, in case you get stuck at your destination longer than anticipated from a cancelled flight or emergency situation.

Know before you go

Visit our Condrell Primary Care team before traveling with diabetes for a personalized care plan. We can also help you manage heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, obesity, and other chronic conditions; see us for routine primary care visits and superior longevity care, too.

Contact us for a customized diabetes travel plan. Call or book online to see a specialist at your nearest Condrell Primary Care office in Washington, DC, or Bethesda, Maryland, today.