Hey everyone,
This will be my first time travelling since I have been diagnosed. I am going to Disneyland with my sister next week and i do not know if there are extra things I need to do or anything like that? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Bring double of everything you might need! Pump supplies, insulin, (and Lantus pen in case pump isn’t working), test strips, BG meter, syringes, alcohol swabs, pump pouch, pump clip, pump batteries. I have a Frio pouch to keep insulin cool, but a motel fridge is fine too, just don’t leave it in there. I’ve never needed glucagon so I don’t bother with that. If you’re flying, get a letter from your endo saying you will have diabetes supplies that need to stay with you. They usually have a stock letter they can fax or mail you, keep it in your handbag. Nut-type snacks and get some water once you’re through security. I have never had a problem walking tgrough tge security archway with my pump. No need to declare it, but if tgey eetect it just show them and they will do a quick procedure. Have fun in the Magic Kingdom!
Oh man. Travelling with Diabetes…always an adventure! Don’t worry, it’s not that bad. You just have to prepare for the worst.
@angivan details most of it pretty well. Bring double what you think you need. If you have to extend your stay because of something out of your control, better be prepared! Bring stuff to correct lows so that when you’re travelling, you’ll have access to it and not have to go and buy somewhere. Same goes for snacks (like granola bars). You can bring anything you want in terms of liquids on a plane because you’re Diabetic. Don’t let a security agent tell you anything different. If they do, ask someone else. You’re allowed.
Definitely bring Lantus and syringes in the event that your pump malfunctions (if you use one).
Keep your supplies with you on your cabin luggage and not on your checked luggage. Losing a bag with all of your supplies could prove costly. Not something you want on a vacation. If you want to split your supplies up, do so with your sister. Just keep it on hand.
Yes to the doctor’s letter too. Never been asked to show it, but you should always have it on you in that event.
To keep insulin cold, like @angivan said, the Frio bag is great! I use it too and it’s a no-brainer.
Bring lancets and an extra glucometer too. Don’t forget batteries!
That’s all I can think of! Hope it helps :).
Hi calibound97,
angivan gave a great list. I agree that it’s important to bring double of what you normally would use. I would be sure to carry glucagon though as an emergency precaution. Wear a medical bracelet! Are you flying?
I think utilizing lists is one of the best things you can do when traveling with medical supplies. Create a packing list with everything that you need for your entire trip. You might run it by your CDE, if that makes you feel more comfortable that you haven’t forgotten anything. I’d also create a daily outing packing list. In addition to medical supplies, include protein snacks and sugar to correct lows. It’s not fun to be in the middle of an outing and realize that you forgot a key supply! As angivan mentioned, Frio pouches are awesome for keeping insulin at room temperature – and not spoiling in the sun!
A note about the hotel fridges: If your hotel doesn’t have one, you can request it for a medical need. Sometimes you’ll be charged per night. Sometimes those little refrigerators will freeze everything in it – including insulin! I usually put my son’s insulin in a soft-sided cooler inside a cooler filled with some ice for the first night. Never put your insulin directly on ice or an ice block! If my water bottle didn’t freeze in the hotel fridge overnight, then the extra insulin goes in for the rest of the stay. Also, if you’re traveling with freezer blocks, the main desk is often willing to freeze them for you if you cite your medical need.
Good luck!
Karen
I just put up a sticky thread with travel tips written by JDRF. Check it out http://t1n-migration.10uplabs.com/groups/traveling_with_diabetes1/forum/topic/travel-tips-2/