Traveling is all about adventure and new experiences, but if have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it can also take a bit of extra planning and worries. Don't worry, though! With the right accessories in your travel kit, you can enjoy your journey without a hitch.
In this article, we'll walk you through the essential items you need to pack in your diabetic travel kit. Whether it's keeping your insulin cool or finding the best diabetes apps, we've got you covered for all your travels!
Related article: Traveling with diabetes: How to Plan, Pack, and Fly!
Diabetic Travel Kit: 10 Must-Have Accessories for Diabetes on the Go!
1. Cooling Cases for Insulin and Diabetes Injections
A good and reliable medical travel cooler is the #1 accessory to add to your diabetes travel kit.
When you're jet-setting or hitting the road, keeping your diabetes injections cool, like insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Victoza, Trulicity, or Byetta is a must.
Diabetes cooling cases are lifesavers when traveling in hot climates. Depending on the model and cooling mechanism, they allow you to carry your diabetes injections refrigerated or at a controlled temperature, so they remain safe and efficient throughout your journey.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration or Cooling!
2. Diabetes Bags and Supply Organizers
Imagine having all your diabetic supplies in one tidy spot-that's what a good diabetes organizer does, and I highly recommend one as part of your diabetes travel kit!
Whether it's a stylish shoulder bag or a rugged diabetes backpack, these specialized diabetes supply bags and cases come with compartments tailor-made for organizing and securing all you medical supplies during transport, like your blood glucose meters, test strips, insulin vials, pens, needles, insulin pumps accessories, and more. They make managing diabetes on the go a breeze, ensuring everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Related article: TSA Regulations for Diabetics: Traveling with Diabetes Supplies & Insulin.
3. Insulin Vial Protector
Nothing's worse than breaking your last insulin vial when you're miles from home. To prevent this, add an insulin vial protector to your diabetes travel kit!
It's a cheap but tough little guardian, encasing your vials in a protective silicone sleeve to keep them safe from knocks and drops. A small addition to your kit that can save you big problems when traveling with diabetes!
Related article: How to Pack Insulin for Travel: Keep it Cool, Safe, and Legal!
4. Travel Sharps Container
If you're using diabetes injections like insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or others, your used needles need a safe stash spot too, and that's where travel-size sharps containers come in.
Compact and leak-proof, they make disposing of sharps when traveling safe and simple, no matter where you are. These containers are a must-have to ensure you're keeping yourself and others safe from harm. Plus, they are actually required by the Transportation Security Administration when flying with used needles and syringes!
Related article: TSA: Traveling with Injectable Medications, Needles, and Syringes
5. Emergency Kit for Low Blood Sugar
Other important items to pack in your diabetes travel kit are fast-acting sugars!
Low blood sugar can strike at the least convenient times, especially when traveling, like when you're exploring a new city or caught in a long line at the airport.
An emergency kit packed with glucose tablets, snacks, and or a juice box can be a quick fix to get your levels back to normal, helping you keep the adventure safely going.
6. Medical ID Bracelet for Diabetic Travelers
A medical ID can be a lifeline in emergencies, especially when you're traveling alone and have diabetes.
It lets doctors and first responders know about your diabetes if you're unable to tell them yourself. Plus, wearing one can give you peace of mind, knowing you're prepared for any situation that might come your way while traveling.
You can find diabetes ID bracelets for all budgets, so don't forget to add one in your diabetes travel kit!
7. Diabetes Travel Letter
Having a diabetes travel letter from your doctor detailing your diabetes care and all the medical supplies you're carrying can smooth out potential bumps with airport security or international customs.
This letter can explain why you're carrying syringes or diabetes medications and how to screen your insulin pumps or CGMs, helping everything go a bit more smoothly as you navigate airports and border controls.
8. Travel Insurance for Diabetes
A good travel insurance is a must to add to your diabetes travel kit. But it's not just about having any insurance; you need a policy specifically tailored to cover pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, ensuring you're covered for any unexpected medical costs, including the loss or deterioration of your diabetes medications, or any incident related to diabetes.
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions, which means any medical issues that arise related to diabetes during your trip may not be covered. This can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a medical emergency.
So, when selecting a travel insurance policy, ensure it explicitly states that it covers pre-existing conditions, providing you with the necessary medical coverage without any surprises.
Related article: Travel Insurance for Type 1 Diabetes: What to Know Before Leaving.
9. Diabetes Apps and Tech
There are tons of diabetes apps that can make great additions to your diabetes travel kit.
Some can help you stay on top of your diabetes management while traveling, with apps designed to track your blood sugar, log meals, and even locate the nearest medical facilities.
Handy apps can also keep digital copies of your medical documents or offer quick translations of diabetes-related terms, essential for travel abroad!
Related article: International Travels with Insulin: Carrying Insulin on International Flights and Managing Time Zone Changes.
10. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a great travel accessory for anyone, but even more so if you have diabetes, and even more so if you suffer from peripheral neuropathy!
For people with diabetes, even a small cut or blister can escalate into a serious issue due to the combination of reduced blood circulation and nerve damage, especially in the feet. Reduced circulation impairs the body's ability to heal, increasing the risk of infection and ulcers.
A well-stocked first aid kit for diabetic travelers should include:
- Antiseptic Wipes and Creams: To clean wounds and reduce the risk of infection.
- Sterile Bandages and Gauze: To protect open skin and provide a sterile environment for wounds to heal.
- Blister Pads or Moleskin: To cover and protect blisters, which are common but can lead to serious complications if not managed properly.
- Antibiotic Ointment: To apply to any cuts or scrapes to prevent infection.
- Medical Tape: For securing gauze and bandages.
- Scissors and Tweezers: For cutting tape, bandages, or removing debris from wounds.
- Thermometer: To detect early signs of infection. Infections can increase blood sugar levels, complicating diabetes management. increasing the risk of infection and ulcers.
What Would You Add to Your Diabetes Travel Kit?
Everyone has their unique hacks and favorite accessories when it comes to travel-especially when managing a condition like diabetes.
So, we'd love to hear from you! What are your go-to diabetes travel accessories? Have you discovered any products or tips that make traveling with diabetes easier?
Whether it's a favorite diabetes app, a tried-and-true medical accessory, or just a smart packing tip for your diabetes supplies, share your stories and suggestions in the comments below. You could be a huge help to fellow travelers with diabetes!
