One of the most stressful parts of holiday preparation can be the packing. For people with diabetes who use insulin, this stress becomes even more intense, since it’s essential to pack the correct types and amounts of medical and testing supplies for a holiday. It’s not a good idea to be stuck in another country with no insulin or test strips. In fact, it can be a recipe for disaster.
Diabetes Supplies to Pack for a Holiday
A holiday is a lovely thing, and it’s made so much better when there are enough vials of insulin, needles, or pump sites to go around. Plan out how many diabetes supplies will be needed for the trip, then try to double this if possible. Why double it? Well, people eat more on vacation, pump sites get torn out by odd new activities, and items get lost along the way. What should diabetic travelers bring?
- insulin, short-acting and long-acting if required
- needles or insulin pens (add an additional insulin pen in case one breaks)
- two meters (these are often free with a purchase of strips. Use one as backup)
- extra batteries for the meters
- test strips for the meters, at least double the normal amount
- pump sites
- site inserter, if required
- antiseptic wipes, band-aids and antibiotic cream
- sources of fast-acting sugar like Dextrosol
- portable snacks like granola bars
- small sharps container
- glucose transmitter, if worn by the traveler
- glucose sensors, if worn by the traveler
- recharger for transmitter, if worn by the traveler
More Diabetes Preparation for a Vacation
While these are not diabetes supplies, there are several other items to pack that could really help save a vacation gone awry. Think about the following:
- Insulin and needles need to be in a carry on bag so that they arrive safely at their destination. No lost insulin, please! Bring a source of sugar like Dextrosol on the flight as well, just in case low blood sugar happens.
- A doctor’s medical note to fly is essential for those who are packing insulin and needles in a carry on bag. Declare them at security and show the doctor’s note.
- Pack diabetes supplies in more than one bag when travelling, just in case one bag gets lost. Always carry enough for a day or two.
- Carry a backup prescription from a doctor. Especially for longer vacations, a prescription for diabetes supplies is a good backup plan.
- Carry a note stating what diabetes, insulin, needles and sugar are in the language of the country.
- Always wear a medical alert bracelet or carry other identifying information that is recognized when travelling, just in case an emergency happens.
- Carry a loaner insulin pump, just in case the pump breaks. These can be ordered from pump companies at a fairly nominal cost and are returned at the end of the vacation.
Managing diabetes can be a challenge at the best of times. On vacation, it’s important to plan ahead. This makes diabetes management much, much easier and helps prevent diabetic emergencies.
Tricia Edgar - Tricia Edgar is a gardener, environmental educator, and science writer from the Pacific Northwest.
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