Know before you go: Tips for travelling with diabete

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Know before you go:

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.
Travelling with diabetes
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 and traveling abroad

For many people living with diabetes, international travel has not been an option in recent years. However, as the world starts to open up again, international travel may be something you are considering. 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. Available with the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7, the Dexcom Follow App can keep your loved ones informed of your glucose levels, even when you’re not near them.* Dexcom Follow App can keep your loved ones informed of your glucose levels, even when you’re not near them.*
Please note that the Dexcom G7 App can only be downloaded in the country where you purchased the device. If you are travelling abroad, please ensure that you download the app before you travel. If you uninstall and reinstall the app while you are outside your country of origin, the download will not work. We recommend that you carry a receiving device with you when travelling abroad.

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.3
  • Buy travel insurance before you fly.3
  • Pack extra medication and general supplies.3
  • Pack extra CGM sensors and a spare transmitter.3
  • Bring along lots of healthy travel snacks when possible.3
  • Research diabetes-friendly foods in the areas you are travelling to.
  • Consider using compatible digital health apps, such as Glooko or Nudg, to help you stay on track.
  • 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.3 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.5
  • Make time for rest during long days of travel and avoid over-exerting yourself.2
  • 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.
* Requires the Follow App and an internet connection.
† For a list of compatible devices, visit www.Dexcom.com/compatibility.
1 Diabetes: Travel Tips | HealthLink BC. (2022). Retrieved 17 February 2022, from https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/illnesses-conditions/diabetes/diabetes-travel-tips
2 Diabetes and Driving. (2022). Retrieved 18 February 2022, from https://www.diabetes.ca/health-care-providers/clinical-practice-guidelines/chapter-21#panel-tab_FullText
3 21 Tips for Traveling with Diabetes. (2022). Retrieved 17 February 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html
4 Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: Medicines, Medical Equipment and Dietary Requirements. (2022). Retrieved 3 November 2022, from https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/essential-medicines-and-medical-equipment
5 Heat and People with Chronic Medical Conditions | Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | CDC. (2022). Retrieved 21 February 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/medical.html
Dexcom, Dexcom Clarity, Dexcom Follow, Dexcom One, Dexcom Share, Share are trademark or registered trademarks in the U.S. and may be in other countries.

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