When you travel with diabetes, pack two to three times the supplies you expect to need, keep insulin and devices in your carry-on, bring backup insulin pens, and add a small skin-and-wound kit for blisters, cuts and dry skin. A little extra planning means a lost bag, failed site or minor injury will not derail your trip.
Traveling with diabetes can feel like a juggling act, between blood sugar, insulin, time zones and new routines. This checklist covers the essentials to pack. For how to handle a wound once you are on the road, see our companion guide, diabetic wound care while traveling.
How many diabetes supplies should I pack for a trip?
Many diabetes educators suggest packing two to three times the supplies you expect to use. That includes infusion sets, reservoirs or pods, CGM sensors, adhesives, test strips, lancets and batteries or chargers.
- Things go wrong. Sites fall off, sensors fail and pumps malfunction. Extras mean you are never left without a way to manage insulin.
- Delays happen. A cancelled flight can add days to a trip.
- Peace of mind. Knowing you are covered makes it easier to enjoy the trip.
For example, if you expect two infusion set changes, packing six gives you plenty of margin.
Should I pack insulin in my carry-on?
Yes. Keep insulin, your pump and CGM supplies, and your meter in your carry-on bag so a delayed or lost suitcase does not leave you without them. Checked luggage can also be exposed to temperature extremes that may damage insulin.
- Use an insulated case or cooling pouch to keep insulin within the temperature range on its label.
- Bring prescriptions or a letter from your provider listing your medications and devices, especially for international travel.
- Pack fast-acting glucose, such as glucose tablets, and snacks for lows during travel days.
Do I need backup insulin pens if I use a pump?
It is strongly recommended. Pumps can malfunction, batteries can die and infusion sites can become blocked, so backup long-acting and rapid-acting insulin pens mean insulin delivery does not have to stop.
- Ask your provider for a backup plan before you go, including how to switch from pump to injections and what doses to use.
- Pack pen needles along with the pens.
- Pens are compact and reliable, whether you are somewhere remote or in a busy city.
What should be in a diabetes travel skin-and-wound kit?
Pack a small kit for the blisters, scrapes and dry skin that travel tends to bring, since even minor wounds can take longer to heal with diabetes. A basic kit includes:
- Cleansing supplies: sterile saline or mild soap and clean gauze for rinsing minor wounds.
- Dressings: assorted non-stick bandages, gauze pads and medical tape.
- Blister protection: moleskin or blister pads for pressure spots from new walking routines.
- A wound gel: a hydrogel to help keep minor cuts, scrapes and blisters moist and clean under a dressing.
- A daily moisturizer: airplane cabins and hotel air can dry out skin, especially on the feet.
- Adhesive remover and spare overpatches for pump and CGM sites.
- Comfortable, broken-in shoes and clean socks: never break in new shoes on a trip.
Check your feet every evening while traveling. If a wound shows signs of infection, such as spreading redness, swelling, warmth, pus or fever, get medical care rather than waiting until you are home. Our guide to signs of infection in a diabetic wound explains what to watch for.
How Lavior's Diabetic Wound Hydrogel fits in
A tube of Diabetic Wound Hydrogel fits easily in a carry-on kit. Like every Lavior formula, it is built around Inula AGS-RIED, Lavior's proprietary extract of the Mediterranean plant Inula viscosa. Lavior™ Diabetic Wound Hydrogel helps maintain a moist wound environment when used for the indications described on its label. Follow the product instructions and your healthcare professional's wound care plan. For dry skin on the feet and around device sites, Lavior's Diabetic Skin Barrier Cream supports the skin's natural barrier; just never apply cream where a pump set or CGM sensor will be inserted. Any wound that is not improving should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Written by Ben Tzeel, with updates from the Lavior editorial team.
