Bring Extra Medication

Be prepared by ordering the medication 1 month before your trip. Ask your doctor if the insulin needs to be in a special insulated bag (but never frozen). Keep a list of your medications (including the generic names) and have the prescriptions with you, not in your checked luggage.

Bring Extra Supplies

These may include glucose testing strips, needles, syringes, and ketone testing strips. If you use an insulin pump, bring a back-up pump (including batteries) or an insulin injection kit in case of emergency. Know what your pump settings are. Also pack your glucagon kit, if you are at risk for severe hypoglycemia. When traveling abroad, keep in mind that other countries may not have the same supplies that are sold in the United States, or the same electrical outlets for recharging batteries.

Test Often

Flying to a warmer climate? Both the excitement of a trip and the heat can cause hypoglycemia. Testing your levels more often and staying hydrated can help stave off problems.

Get the Latest Airport Security Information

Check out the http://www.tsa.gov website. Here, you will find the most current information on getting through security. You are allowed to pack your medication and diabetes supplies in your carry-on. The medication does have to meet the restriction of being less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Just be sure your medication has original labels on it. If you have an insulin pump and are worried about going through the metal detector, be sure to explain this to the security officer. In addition, if you are in line and are having a diabetic reaction, such as hypoglycemia, tell the officer right away.

Ask for a Special In-Flight Meal

If you are taking a long flight, call a few days before and ask if they offer a special meal for people with diabetes. Once onboard, ask a flight attendant when the meal will be served. If you are using a rapid acting insulin, this will give you a timeframe as to when you should give yourself an injection.

Bring Food

Don't only rely on what the airline will serve you. Come to the airport prepared with your own snacks and meal. As long as the food is tightly wrapped and in a spill-proof container, you can bring it through security and onto the plane. Snacks like pretzels, granola bars, and carrot sticks are fine to put in your carry-on. Also remember to pack foods to treat hypoglycemia (like glycogen tablets, sugar packets, and hard candy). Once through security, you can buy a drink and bring it onto the plane. If you have checked luggage, pack an extra meal. This may consist of dehydrated soup, a package of tuna fish, and raisins. These items are also great to include if you are taking a road trip.

Be Prepared for Time Zone Changes

If you are traveling across time zones, ask your doctor how this will affect when you give yourself an injection and how much insulin you should give. Also, if you use an insulin pump, remember to change the clock setting to the local time. Switching time zones can be especially challenging when you have diabetes, so be sure to frequently check your blood glucose level.

Test Your Blood Sugar Before Driving

If you have a road trip ahead of you, test your blood glucose level before leaving home. Pack plenty of snacks, meals, drinks, and a kit in case of hypoglycemia. Take breaks so you can check your glucose level and stretch your legs.

Talk to Guest Relations

If heading for the thrills at an amusement park, talk to the staff in the guest relations office. They may give you a handicapped pass that will reduce the amount of time you spend waiting in line. Also, remember to bring your backpack filled with diabetes supplies, snacks, and drinks. If you are at a water park, be sure to protect your supplies by putting them in a waterproof bag. A wheelchair may be a good option if you have trouble walking.

Take Care of Your Feet

When you have diabetes, you are more prone to developing foot problems because of nerve damage. Take extra care of your feet while on vacation by wearing shoes that fit you well. Avoid going barefoot because you may cut or bruise your foot.

Stick to Your Meal Plan

While it is tempting to overindulge while away from home, try to stick to your regular meal plan. If you find that you are eating in restaurants a lot, try splitting the meal with your partner. This can help with portion control. Before visiting another country, ask your dietitian for advice on making good food choices. In general, order a broth-based soup or salad, skip the bread and butter, eat a normal-sized meal (not super-sized), and share or skip dessert.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Know how to get in touch with your doctor in case of an emergency. It is also a good idea to find the location of the closest hospital and whether they accept your insurance.

No matter where you are—a friend’s holiday party or a ride at an amusement park—you can take care of your diabetes. If you put time aside to prepare and get advice from your doctor, then you can break from the regular routine and still control your blood glucose level. While having diabetes means paying extra attention to your health, it doesn’t have to mean that you miss out on anything!