Travelling with Diabetes: Essential Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Trips

With around 830 million people living with diabetes across the world, travelling with the condition is a reality faced by many. Since travel takes you out of your normal routine, it can be more difficult to manage an already demanding disease.

The most common challenges for people travelling with diabetes include changes in diet, activity levels, time zones, and climate. Any of these changes could affect your blood glucose control. But, this doesn’t mean travel can’t be safe and enjoyable. In fact, a little bit of extra planning and proactivity goes a long way in ensuring you stay on top of your treatment while out of your comfort zone.

Whether you are travelling locally or internationally for business or pleasure, these guidelines will help you stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Before you travel

Get covered

Travel insurance is essential for those with diabetes to cover potential emergency medical costs. Before embarking on your trip, make sure that you’re covered and that your policy covers pre-existing conditions like diabetes. If you are travelling for business, check with your employer about your coverage during the trip. 

If you or a member of your staff are living with diabetes and travelling to a complex or conflict-affected area, it is also important to know your medical assistance provider. Assist360 offers comprehensive medical response and assistance with our 24/7 Global Response Centre, on-the-ground teams and extensive medical network, providing peace of mind to our clients in unfamiliar settings.  

Pack more than the amount of diabetes medication you would normally need.

Consult your doctor

Before travelling, make an appointment with your doctor to ensure that you are fit for travel. Ask your healthcare practitioner for prescriptions for extra insulin and any other diabetes medication or paraphernalia. You should also ask your healthcare provider for a letter stating that you have diabetes and may need to carry syringes or other supplies with you at all times. 

Check airline restrictions

If you’re flying, there are several things you should research beforehand, such as airport security measures and restrictions. Review both airline and airport guidelines on diabetes supplies and medications.  

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is key when it comes to travelling with diabetes. If you are going on a long-haul flight, chat to your healthcare provider about making adjustments to your schedule to accommodate time differences.  

If you are travelling internationally, familiarise yourself with the local cuisine, pharmacy accessibility, and healthcare facilities, and find out where you can get supplies of insulin in case of an emergency. Learn how to say essential phrases like ‘I have diabetes’ or ‘Where is the nearest hospital?’ in the local language, and ensure you carry clearly-written emergency information or a medical ID bracelet and details of your next of kin.  

Get packing

Pack more than the amount of medication and blood-testing supplies you would typically need. Make provisions to keep your medications and supplies at a stable temperature, avoiding heat, direct sunlight, or freezing. Use a cooler bag to keep your medication cool if you are visiting a place with a warmer climate.  

If flying, make sure to keep your insulin in your hand luggage to avoid the colder temperatures of the airplane hold, and keep medications in their original packaging for easy identification at security. 

During travel

At security 

Make sure to carry a doctor’s note to present at security checkpoints if necessary. You can also request a physical screening or metal detector instead of an X-ray machine at security checkpoints, to protect your continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump from potential damage. 

Bring or order healthy foods

It‘s always important to consider your access to food when you‘re on the move, but especially if you are flying or driving long distances. If possible, bring snacks with you to prevent low blood sugar, and monitor your glucose levels frequently.  

Travelling with diabetes means prioritising health and staying vigilant.

Keep moving

During road trips, take regular breaks to stretch and walk around. If you are flying or travelling by train, move up and down the aisles every hour or two to reduce the risk of blood clots. 

At the destination

Watch the weather

If you are travelling to a destination with a different climate to the one back home, you need to take extra care to manage your health. 

In warmer climates, watch out for dehydration and heat exhaustion. Be aware of how colder temperatures can precipitate circulation problems, particularly in the feet. 

Eat thoughtfully

Trying new cuisines is one of the greatest pleasures of travel. With some mindfulness, it’s possible for persons travelling with diabetes to enjoy new food without compromising your health. Moderate your food choices and portion sizes to avoid eating more than you need. 

After trying a new dish, consider checking your blood sugar if you are able to understand how it affects your body, and adjust your intake accordingly.  

When trying new foods, make sure you keep monitoring your health closely and keep up your routines.

Protect your feet

Proper foot care is essential for people travelling with diabetes, as new environments, extended walking, and different climates can increase the risk of foot issues. Wear comfortable and supportive footwear and pay special attention to areas prone to pressure or friction, such as the heels, toes, and sides of your feet. 

If you notice any cuts, blisters, or signs of infection, clean the area, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a sterile bandage. Seek medical attention if the issue does not improve quickly.  

Enjoy your trip

With the right preparation, travelling with diabetes is entirely manageable – even in complex environments. The skilled Assist360 teams are available around the clock to support those travelling with diabetes.  

Find out more about our holistic offering here: Assist360.