Traveling with Diabetes: A Guide for Domestic & International Trips

Planning trips and managing diabetes while traveling may seem like a daunting task, but there are many tools available to help assist you in your travels. Whether you’re living with diabetes or traveling with a loved one who is, these tips and resources will hopefully provide you with some guidance.

This blog was written with the input of a 25 year-old living with Type 1 diabetes. They were diagnosed at 22 years old and use an external insulin pump to monitor their glucose levels. While they prefer to remain anonymous, we want to acknowledge their support and thank them for their insight into traveling with diabetes.

Preparation

Whether you are flying to another country or taking a road trip, it is important to be prepared. Learning About Diabetes put together a useful checklist for packing. This checklist is a great starting place and a useful tool when getting ready for your trip.

Pack More Than You Think You’ll Need

Experts recommend bringing at least double the amount of medication and supplies you expect to use. That includes:

• Insulin

• Pump supplies

• Continuous Glucose Monitors and sensors

• Test strips

• Backup glucose meter

• Fast-acting glucose (snacks or tablets)

It is also recommended to keep all diabetes supplies in your carry-on bag to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures and reduce the risk of loss.

Using an insulated, temperature-controlled bag — especially one with a visible temperature display — can help ensure insulin stays within a safe range.

Always Bring a Backup

Our interviewee emphasizes:

“I always take my finger-prick test kit everywhere. If a Continuous Glucose Monitor dies or gives bad readings, test strips are the most accurate backup for me.”

Even if you rely on technology, bring manual supplies.

Prescriptions & Documentation

Ask your doctor to:

• Provide written prescriptions

• Write a medical letter explaining your diagnosis and supplies

• Outline insulin timing adjustments (especially for time zone changes)

This documentation can be invaluable if medications are lost or questioned at security, but are not required for travel.

Domestic Travel (U.S.)

Knowing your rights when traveling within the United States matters.

TSA Regulations

Transportation Security Administration allows travelers with diabetes to bring:

• Insulin in quantities exceeding 3.4 oz

• Ice packs and cooling supplies

• Insulin pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors

• Blood glucose meters and test kits

Check out the Transportation Security Administration’s website for more information about security and traveling with medication.

The TSA Notification Card can help communicate with TSA officers during security. There is space for you to fill our your medical diagnoses or provide information about your medical equipment. Bringing your own diabetes identification card or confirmation of diagnosis can also be useful.

The American Diabetes Association also provides a helpful guide titled ‘What Can I Bring With Me on the Plane?’

Air Travel & Insulin Pumps

Changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can sometimes affect insulin pump delivery. Diabetes UK provides guidance on disconnecting or monitoring pumps during flights.

Airline Meals

Most major airlines offer a Diabetic Meal (DBML) option at no additional cost. Contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure to request one. Alternative Airlines has a list of which airlines carry diabetic meals and when you need to request them by.

International Travel

International trips require additional planning and research.

Medication Regulations & Prescriptions Abroad

Many travelers wonder: Will my insulin prescription work in another country? In most cases, prescriptions are country-specific. This means:

• A U.S. prescription generally cannot be filled directly in another country.

• A local physician may need to evaluate you and reissue a prescription before a pharmacy can dispense insulin.

Some countries allow certain insulins to be purchased without a prescription, but regulations vary widely.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) provides helpful country-specific resources to understand local laws before you travel.

Important Considerations:

Bring extra insulin.

Medical organizations strongly recommend traveling with at least double what you expect to use so you are not dependent on foreign pharmacies.

Keep medications in original packaging.

Pharmacy labels help verify legitimacy at customs and pharmacies.

Know the generic name of your insulin.

Brand names vary internationally, but the active ingredient (such as insulin lispro) is what pharmacists rely on.

Be aware of concentration differences.

Some countries use different insulin concentrations (for example, U-100 vs. U-40). Always confirm before administering a dose.

Insurance coverage may not apply abroad.

Many U.S. insurance plans do not cover medications purchased internationally. Check with your insurance company before traveling to see if you can be reimbursed.

Language & Communication

Consider carrying:

• A translated diabetes medical card

• Emergency phrases in the local language

• Written instructions for emergency responders

• Know the generic name of your medication as some names differ between countries

If you use app-based glucose monitoring, link an emergency contact who can receive alerts if levels drop dangerously low. 

From our Interviewee: “If you use technology to monitor your glucose levels, it’s a good idea to have an emergency contact linked to your account. That way they get alerts when your glucose levels are too high or too low and can reach out to you if needed! My mom is my emergency contact.”

Managing Blood Sugar While Traveling

Travel often disrupts routines. Expect changes — and plan accordingly.

Time Zones & Insulin Timing

Longer or shorter travel days may require insulin adjustments. Work with your doctor to create a time-zone plan in advance.

Set alarms to stay consistent with dosing.

Move to Prevent Blood Clots

People with diabetes may have increased clot risk during long flights. Stand and move at least once per hour when possible. Compression socks can help improve circulation.

Navigating New Foods

Trying new cuisine is part of the experience — and it shouldn’t have to be avoided.

If foods aren’t labeled:

• Use visual portion estimation

• Research traditional dishes in advance

• Bring reliable snacks

  
  

Abbott Laboratories offers helpful tips in their article Eating Right When Traveling with Diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association recommends The Plate Method:

• ½ non-starchy vegetables

• ¼ grains

• ¼ protein

  
  

AI-powered apps like Snaq can also estimate carb content from photos.

From our Interviewee: “Try not to let carb counting get in the way of trying a new food.

There are always ways to estimate and still enjoy the experience.”

Extra Practical Tips

• Jet lag symptoms can mimic high or low blood sugar — monitor closely the first few days.

• Adjust Continuous Glucose Monitor change days to avoid replacements mid-trip (but always bring backups). Our Interviewee says:

• Inform travel companions about signs of hypoglycemia.

• Consider sharing your hotel name (not necessarily your room number) with an emergency contact.

Conclusion

Traveling with diabetes requires planning — but it is absolutely manageable.

Understanding prescription regulations, packing thoroughly, and researching your destination in advance allows you to travel domestically and internationally with confidence.

Preparation brings peace of mind — and peace of mind makes room for adventure.

Interested in reading more?

Check out the Blue Trunk blog written by guests Jack Corbett and Tiffany Smith in 2020 titled Traveling with an Insulin Pump: What It’s Like, and What to Know.