Traveling with Insulin
When you travel, maintaining your schedule for insulin injections and blood sugar (glucose) checks can be challenging. But with careful planning, any trip can go smoothly. Discuss your plans with your healthcare provider before you go.
Travel tips
- Changing time zones can disrupt your insulin schedule. Check with your doctor before you travel. He or she will help you figure out how to adjust your dose and/or schedule.
- If you're flying, have your healthcare provider write a letter stating that you have diabetes and need to use syringes and insulin. Make sure your supplies are clearly labeled. This will help you get through security. Due to the frequent changes in airport security, you should contact the Transportation Security Administration (1-866-289-9673 or ), your airline, or airport for the latest information on carry-on restrictions.
- Bring 2-3 times the amount of insulin and supplies you need with you. This way, if anything is lost or damaged, you'll have plenty of extras.
- Do not store your insulin in the trunk of your car or in checked luggage. The extreme temperature variations can harm the insulin.
- With any type of travel, always be prepared for delays. Carry your insulin and supplies with you at all times in a cold pack (not packed in your suitcase), along with healthy snacks that can also serve as meals in case of heavy traffic or delayed flights.
- Bring something to eat on the plane, even if it's a short flight. Delays could interfere with your meal schedule. Inject your insulin before or after you eat, as appropriate. Be careful not to inject too much air into your insulin vial. The pressurized cabin makes this more likely to happen.
For more specific information about traveling by airplane with your diabetes supplies, see our diabetes links.
