Traveling with Diabetes

When traveling:

I won't need to bring as much insulin with me, because I will be more active

I don't have to worry about how much insulin I bring with me, because insulin is easily available everywhere

I should bring extra insulin supplies, in case they get lost or damaged

I don't need to take insulin with me on vacation, because I also am taking a vacation from having to manage my diabetes

While the daily management of diabetes can make you feel like you'd like to take a vacation from diabetes, it is important to keep monitoring your health - even when you are traveling and on vacation. Keep you blood sugar under control, and make sure you know where to find medical resources should you need them. Being prepared can save you time and hassle, letting you enjoy your trip!

www.tsa.gov is a website for:

An airline company

A travel agency

The Transportation Security Administration for the United States

www.tsa.gov is a website for The U.S. Transportation Security Administration. This website provides details regarding the rules and regulations of air travel. You can find the latest regulations regarding carrying insulin and other liquid medications on a flight. A note on international travel: All countries have different policies regarding carrying liquid medications. Be sure to research the specific rules for your destination.

When Traveling:

I should consider how to protect the insulin from unsafe temperatures

I should always wear a medical identification that states I have diabetes

I should speak with my doctor about how to adjust my insulin doses for time zone changes

All of the above

All of the answers are correct. However, the best answer is "All of the above".

It is important to protect insulin from unsafe temperatures, so that it continues to work effectively.
People who know how to help will look for medical identification.
Always talk with your provider about adjustments you may need to make in your insulin dose while traveling. You may need a simple change or it may be more complicated. It depends on time zone changes, and the activities you are planning to do when you arrive.

It is a good idea to bring a meal with you on your flight because:

Airline food tastes terrible

The food provided may not be part of my meal plan

Food may not be served

It is a good idea to bring a meal with you on your flight because not all airlines provide meals or snacks, even on long flights.

While traveling, it is a good idea to check blood glucose more often because:

Foods can be unfamiliar, and you're not sure how your blood glucose will respond

Blood glucose can be lower than usual because of unexpected spurts of activities, like carrying luggage and extra walking in the terminals or stations

Blood glucose can be higher than usual from sitting for long periods of time during travel

All of the above

All of the answers are correct. However, the best answer is "All of the above".

You may be eating foods that are literally foreign to you and you can't predict how your blood glucose will respond.
Activities like running to catch your flight, or carrying your luggage may cause your blood sugar to fall.
If youâ€™re usually active, sitting still for a long flight can cause blood glucose to rise.

While planning a trip, the following should be considered:

Do I have enough medicines and blood glucose test strips for the entire trip and unforeseen delays?

Do I know how to count carbohydrates for the foods I will be eating?

Where is the nearest medical facility?

All of the above

All of the answers are correct. However, the best answer is "All of the above".

Count out those pills, do some math and figure out how much insulin you need to bring, and add more for possible delays.
Carbohydrate counting is always a challenge with unfamiliar food, and you may need to monitor your blood sugar more frequently and adjust your insulin or diabetes medication dose.
In case of emergency, it is important to know the location of the nearest medical facility.

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