Blog - Diabetes Management

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Tips for travelling with diabetes

There is no doubt that travelling is a great way to enjoy your free time. Travel doesn't always mean flying to a new country, sometimes it's as easy as taking a road trip to see a friend or going to a nearby town to catch a show. No matter where you go, travelling comes with its own set of tasks and considerations. Planning your trip, getting there, and enjoying yourself all take some preparation and work. For people living with diabetes, planning for travel means adding a few extra diabetes supplies to your packing list. It may also mean doing research on your destination and making some adjustments to your routine. Travel nowadays also comes with new considerations on what you’re comfortable with and what type of transportation best meets your needs. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy travel, near or far.

How to travel with diabetes

There are so many exciting things to see and do while travelling. Visiting friends, experiencing new sights, and delving into local experiences can take up large parts of your day. It's important to remember that, when travelling, diabetes may be an added consideration. Changes in time zones, meal schedules, and food types may affect your glucose levels. The way you travel can also be a factor in how you plan for your trip.

Here are a few tips to make travelling with diabetes a little bit easier

Diabetes considerations when travelling by car

Diabetes and travelling by train

Diabetes and flying by plane

Travelling by plane comes with different logistical considerations to driving. While you won’t need to concentrate on the road, you will need to be aware of how you pack and store your diabetes medication.

You should always pack your diabetes travel supplies in your carry-on and make sure you have easy access to them at all times. If you need to store insulin on the plane, try putting it in a wide-mouthed insulated thermos. This can help your insulin stay at a consistent temperature throughout your trip.¹ Similar to travelling by car, always review and follow the instructions for use regarding the storage of your diabetes medications and supplies. Speak to your doctor ahead of your trip to get their recommendations for insulin delivery while flying.

When going through security, it’s also a good idea to let the airport officers know about your condition and any diabetes related technology you use so that they won’t flag you or your device.¹ You can ask the security officer for a hand inspection instead of an x-ray screening of your glucose monitoring system and insulin pump. A person wearing a Dexcom CGM device can be hand-wanded and use the walk-through metal detector. For users wearing the Dexcom ONE+ or Dexcom G7 they can also use the full body scanner (this is where you stand in a scanner with your legs and arms apart). For users wearing the Dexcom ONE or Dexcom G6 they MUST NOT go through the full body scanner.
Some airports now use CT scans for baggage – you will be able to identify this easily: if you are not asked to remove liquids or electronic items form your hand baggage, then this is an airport using CT scan technology. In this instance, it is safe to leave any spare sensors also in your hand luggage. If older x-ray technology is still being used, and you are asked to remove liquids and electronics, then any other components of the Dexcom CGM that the user has with them should not be put through the baggage scanner.

You can also download the Medical Device Awareness card here, that is CAA approved.

Dexcom CGM does use Bluetooth but can function in airplane mode. When on the plane the user will need to turn on airplane mode on their receiving smart phone and then switch the Bluetooth back on separately. Be sure to also view your user guide for specifications on imaging systems and your CGM system.

Can you bring insulin needles on a plane?

People often ask if you can bring insulin needles on a plane. Be sure to review The Airport Operators Association (AOA) and Gov.uk websites³for the most up to date information regarding what you can pack in your carry-on. As of now, essential medicines and medical equipment are allowed, but you’ll need supporting documentation from a relevant medical professional.

Diabetes and traveling abroad

Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned pro, here are a few tips that might help make your trip a little smoother.

Changing time zones may affect your insulin delivery schedule or your normal meal times. Talking with your Health Care professional (HCP) ahead of your trip can help you prepare for adjusting your insulin dosages in different time zones or to understand how different foods may affect your blood sugar levels. Your HCP can also give you any necessary letters or documents to help you carry your medication overseas, or to get refills of prescriptions in foreign countries. Researching insulin types available in certain countries and where you can source them can also help you stay prepared.

If monitoring glucose is a concern, consider using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device like one of the Dexcom CGM Systems*. Dexcom gives you access to real-time data on your glucose levels, plus customisable alerts to let you know when glucose readings trend high or low^4,5. The Dexcom Follow App can keep your loved ones informed†, even when you’re not near them, creating greater peace of mind‡ for yourself and your circle of support^4,5.

Please note due to extra security features within the Dexcom G7 app please make sure that if you are on Dexcom G7 you have followed the advice below

• You have Version 2-6 or above downloaded before you leave your Dexcom country of residence.

• Make sure you are logged in before you leave you Dexcom country of residence

• Ensure you know your user name and password so that you can log in should you need to delete and reinstall your app or log in on a different device

Creating a savvy travel plan

Creating a travel plan in advance can help you stay prepared for any unexpected surprises along the way. It can also give you more peace of mind during your trip, so you can take away some of the worry about your diabetes management. When creating your travel plan, it’s important to take into account all of the activities you will be doing on your trip. This includes both planned and unplanned activities. Here are a few points to consider when creating your travel plan:

● Speak with your HCP before travelling to find out what types of medication will be available on your trip, any documentation you need before flying or crossing borders, and how to manage insulin dosages in different time zones and countries.

● Find pharmacies close to where you are staying.

● Buy travel insurance before you fly.⁷

● Pack extra medication and supplies.⁷

● Bring along lots of healthy travel snacks when possible.⁷

● Research diabetes-friendly foods in the areas you are travelling to.

● Consider using compatible digital health apps, such as Glooko which can help you to stay on track.

● Ensure you know your username and password for all digital health apps including your Dexcom CGM

● Bring disposable containers for any used injection supplies. In a pinch, a wide-mouthed plastic bottle will do the trick.¹

● Learn a few important words related to diabetes in the language of the country you’re visiting. You can also bring a translation book or use an app if needed. If using an app, consider where and when you’ll have mobile coverage and make a backup plan just in case.¹

● Keep insulin, CGM devices, blood glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and other diabetes equipment out of hot and cold areas.⁶ Be sure to follow the instructions for use on how to properly store your different diabetes medications and supplies.

● Pack any diabetes equipment in your carry-on.¹

● Make a plan for managing high temperatures as they can change how your body uses insulin.⁷

● Make time for rest during long days of travel and avoid over-exerting yourself.

● Let others know of your travel plans and create an action plan for how your Followers can support you if they receive a high or low glucose alert.

Find your wanderlust

Travel can be a great way to see the world or simply connect with an old friend in a new city. No matter where you're headed, the best way to have an enjoyable trip is to be proactive about your needs before you get there.

Always talk to your doctor before travelling to make sure you have everything you need while away. It's also a good idea to do research on the country or location you are travelling to, so you know what to expect when you get there. If you’re travelling for a long period of time, or to multiple destinations, it’s especially important to plan ahead so you can ensure that you have all the supplies and medications you need.

Thinking about travelling soon? Be sure to stock up on all your Dexcom supplies before you go! Learn more about our CGM product range and how it can be used to monitor your glucose levels today.

* For a list of compatible devices, visit www.Dexcom.com/compatibility
† Requires the Follow App and an internet connection. Not available with Dexcom ONE
‡ Compared to blood glucose meter patient use
1. Healthlink BC. Diabetes:Travel tips. Accessed March 2024. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthwise/diabetes-travel-tips
2. DVLA. A guide to insulin treated diabetes and driving. 2019. P1-5.
3. Gov.UK. Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: Medicines, Medical Equipment and Dietary Requirements. (2022). Accessed March 2024. https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/essential-medicines-and-medical-equipment
4. Polonsky WH, et al. Impact of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data Sharing on Quality of Life and Health Outcomes in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;23(3):195-202.
5. Polonsky WH, et al. Impact of Real-Time CGM Data Sharing on Quality of Life in the Caregivers of Adults and Children With Type 1 Diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022;16(1):97-105.
6. Shropshire Community Health. Diabetes Guide to Summer/Winter and Travel. Accessed March 2024. https://www.shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/content/doclib/14284.pdf
7. Diabetes UK. Looking after diabetes in cold weather and climates. Accessed March 2024. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/travel#zones

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Tips for travelling with diabetes

Here are a few tips to make travelling with diabetes a little bit easier

.css-1i8sf5e{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-body);font-size:1rem;line-height:1.375rem;}@media screen and (min-width: 90em){.css-1i8sf5e{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.5rem;}}Can you bring insulin needles on a plane?

Creating a savvy travel plan

Blog - Diabetes Management

Can you bring insulin needles on a plane?