{"id":20711,"date":"2022-05-26T17:55:26","date_gmt":"2022-05-26T17:55:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.breakthrought1d.org\/norcal\/?p=20711"},"modified":"2026-03-06T23:33:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T23:33:50","slug":"tips-and-tricks-for-traveling-with-t1d","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.breakthrought1d.org\/norcal\/2022\/05\/26\/tips-and-tricks-for-traveling-with-t1d\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips and Tricks for Traveling with T1D"},"content":{"rendered":"

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by Sarah Gaffney, Breakthrough T1D Northern California Young Leadership Committee (YLC) Member<\/strong><\/p>\n

Traveling with type 1 diabetes can be a wonderful experience and, as with anything diabetes-related, it helps to be prepared! Below are the top three tips and tricks compiled by the Breakthrough T1D Northern California Young Leadership Committee (Breakthrough T1D YLC).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip 1: Pack Heavy<\/b><\/p>\n

One of the worst case scenarios for a person with type 1 diabetes during travel is running low on (or out of!) diabetes supplies. So, opposite the popular adage, we recommend that you <\/span>pack heavy<\/b>. We suggest bringing double the supplies you typically need and a backup method of both glucose monitoring and insulin delivery. So, if you have a pump and CGM, you should pack double the supplies for each and also bring back up insulin syringes\/needles and an extra glucose monitor. You are typically able to bring an additional small carry-on bag for diabetes-related supplies! This <\/span>Daily Diabetes Care Kit<\/span><\/a> supply list from Beyond Type 1 is a helpful place to start when evaluating what you might need to bring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional suggestions for items to bring with you during travel include: a note from your doctor saying you have type 1 diabetes, a list of your prescriptions, and a written record of your pump ratios. Your doctor and pump\/cgm company may offer back-up supplies if you are taking a longer trip; it can be helpful to reach out to them if you want a backup pump or additional\/ sample supplies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip 2: Prepare to Fail<\/b><\/p>\n

Another adage turned on its head: <\/span>be prepared to fail\u2026 and realize it is okay<\/b>! Anyone with diabetes knows\u2013<\/span>everything<\/span><\/i> can have an impact on your blood sugar; when we are out of our routines, our blood sugar will reflect it! Travel can often include lots of walking or activity, out-of-the-usual temperatures, and\/or activities that cause you to be without easy access to supplies. We suggest packing emergency supplies for low blood sugar <\/span>at all times<\/span> during your trip. Fast acting sugar – like gummy bears or glucose tabs – as well as an emergency fast-acting medicine to raise blood sugars (like Glucagon or Baqsimi) are recommended. Also make sure any travel buddies know what to do in case of an emergency low blood sugar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the opposite hand, traveling can often cause your blood sugars to be higher than usual. Give yourself time and patience as you carefully adjust basal and long-acting insulin ratios. Time zone changes, new\/different foods, stress, a lack of sleep, and warmer temperatures can all often raise blood sugar levels\u2013find adjustments that work for you, and give yourself understanding! Try to enjoy yourself without over-worrying about high blood sugar levels during your trip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip 3: Device Management Tips<\/b><\/p>\n

If you have wearable devices, we have a few device-specific recommendations:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n