Travelling With Diabetes: A Practical Checklist

5 min readType 2 Diabetes BasicsPart 16 of 18

In brief

Pack at least twice the medicines and supplies you expect to need, and keep them in your hand luggage.
Airport security allows diabetes supplies, including insulin and liquids above the usual limit. Tell the officer before screening.
Plan ahead for time-zone changes, heat, new foods, more walking and what to do if you become ill.

Diabetes should not stop you from travelling, whether it is a weekend away, a long-haul flight or a pilgrimage. A little planning prevents most problems. Use this guide as a checklist, and ask your care team for advice specific to your medicines.

Your travel timeline

4–6 weeks before

See your doctor or nurse. Discuss dose timing across time zones, sick-day rules, vaccines, and get a letter listing your diagnosis, medicines and devices. Check travel insurance covers diabetes.

2 weeks before

Order extra medicines and supplies. Research pharmacies at your destination and the local names for your medicines.

A few days before

Pack your hand luggage kit (below). Charge devices and pack spare batteries or chargers.

Travel day

Check your glucose more often, carry snacks and water, and keep medicines with you at all times.

At your destination

Store insulin properly, keep checking your glucose, and look after your feet.

Packing checklist

All medicines, in original labeled packaging, with double the amount you expect to need
Glucose meter, strips, lancets, CGM sensors and spare batteries or charger
Insulin, pens or syringes and pen needles, plus a cool pack or insulated case
Fast-acting glucose (tablets or gel) and slower snacks such as nuts or crackers
Doctor’s letter, a list of your medicines with generic names and doses, and emergency contacts
Medical ID bracelet or card, and your insurance details
Comfortable, broken-in shoes and socks, plus a small foot-care kit
Ketone test strips and sick-day instructions if your care team advises them

Split supplies between your bag and a travelling companion’s bag if possible, in case one goes missing.

With a little planning, diabetes need not limit where you go or what you do.

At the airport

Keep medicines in your hand luggage. Insulin can freeze in the aircraft hold, and checked bags can be lost.
Liquids are allowed. In the US, TSA permits medically necessary liquids, gels and insulin above the usual 3.4 oz (100 ml) limit. Declare them to the officer. Most other countries have similar rules.
Tell the officer that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies or wearing a device before screening begins.
Pumps and CGMs: many manufacturers advise not putting them through X-ray machines or full-body scanners. Check your device’s guidance and ask for a hand inspection if needed.

Time zones

Tablets that are taken once or twice a day can usually be shifted gradually to local time. If you take insulin, especially when crossing five or more time zones, doses may need adjusting. Travelling east shortens your day, so you may need less insulin; travelling west lengthens it, so you may need more. Work out a plan with your care team before you go, keep your watch on home time during the flight, and check glucose more often.

Heat, cold and activity

Hot weather

Heat speeds up insulin absorption and can cause lows. It also damages insulin and test strips. Keep them cool and out of direct sun, and drink plenty of water.

Cold weather

Never let insulin freeze. Cold hands can give inaccurate fingerstick readings. Warm them first.

More walking

Sightseeing lowers glucose. Carry fast-acting sugar and snacks, and check more often if you use insulin or a sulfonylurea.

Look after your feet

Do not go barefoot, even on the beach. Check your feet every evening for blisters.

Food and drink

Enjoy local food, but keep an eye on portion sizes and carbohydrate, especially with unfamiliar dishes. Use the plate method as a quick guide (see Carb Counting Made Simple). Carry snacks in case meals are delayed. Drink safe, bottled water where needed, and be careful with alcohol, which can cause delayed lows if you take insulin or a sulfonylurea.

If you become unwell while away

Keep taking your medicines unless your sick-day rules say otherwise. Some, such as metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors, may need pausing if you are vomiting or cannot drink.
Check your glucose every 2–4 hours and stay hydrated.
Seek medical help quickly if you cannot keep fluids down, glucose stays very high, or you feel drowsy or confused.

Common questions

How should I store insulin while travelling?

Unopened insulin should be kept cool, generally 2–8°C (36–46°F), but never frozen. Insulin in use can usually be kept at room temperature for about 4 weeks, depending on the product. In hot climates, use an insulated case or cooling wallet, and never leave insulin in a parked car or direct sun.

Can I fast for religious reasons while travelling?

Many people with diabetes fast safely with planning, but fasting while travelling adds risk. Talk to your care team well before, as medicines such as insulin, sulfonylureas and SGLT2 inhibitors may need adjusting, and know when to break the fast for safety.

Do I need a letter from my doctor?

It is not always required, but it is strongly recommended. A letter listing your diagnosis, medicines, devices and the need to carry needles and liquids can smooth security checks and help if you need care abroad.

Key takeaways

Pack double supplies and keep them in your hand luggage.
Carry a doctor’s letter and tell security about your supplies and devices.
Plan insulin timing across time zones, and protect insulin from heat and freezing.
Next: Diabetes distress and depression.

Type 2 Diabetes Basics: all 18 articles

Sources

Transportation Security Administration. Insulin Pumps and Glucose Monitors and Disabilities and Medical Conditions.
American Diabetes Association. Air Travel and Diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book: Travelers with Chronic Illnesses.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl 1).
Chandran M, Edelman SV. Have insulin, will fly: diabetes management during air travel and time zone adjustment strategies. Clin Diabetes. 2003;21(2):82–85.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for advice from your own doctor, diabetes educator or pharmacist.

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