The first time I traveled with a newly diagnosed child, I packed enough diabetes supplies for six months. We were going for a weekend. I had backup supplies for my backup supplies, a printed letter from our endocrinologist, and a level of anxiety that made airport security look relaxed by comparison.
Twenty-one years later, traveling with T1D is routine. We have flown, driven cross-country, stayed in hotels, camped, and traveled internationally — all with two diabetic kids. It takes planning, but it should never stop your family from going anywhere.
This guide covers everything: packing, flying, driving, time zones, hotel stays, and the things I learned by making every mistake first.
The Golden Rule of T1D Travel
Bring twice as many supplies as you think you need. Keep them in two separate bags.
If one bag is lost, stolen, or left behind, you still have a full backup. This rule has saved us more than once.
Packing List: Diabetes Supplies for Travel
Carry-On Bag (ALWAYS with you — never checked luggage)
- Insulin — enough for the trip plus 3 extra days
- Insulin pens or syringes (backup, even if using a pump)
- Blood glucose meter + test strips + lancets
- CGM sensors — enough for the trip plus 1 extra
- CGM transmitter (backup if available)
- Pump supplies — infusion sets, pods, reservoirs (enough plus 2 extra)
- Pump charger or batteries
- Fast-acting sugar: glucose tabs, juice boxes, gummy bears
- Glucagon emergency kit
- Ketone test strips
- Alcohol swabs
- Medical ID bracelet (worn, not packed)
- Letter from endocrinologist (for TSA and international travel)
- Insurance card and pharmacy info
- Snacks: cheese sticks, nuts, protein bars, crackers
Checked Bag (Backup supplies)
- Extra insulin (keep in insulated bag with ice pack)
- Extra test strips, lancets, syringes
- Extra CGM sensors
- Extra pump supplies
- Extra snacks and fast-acting sugar
Never put insulin in checked luggage on a plane. The cargo hold temperature can freeze or overheat insulin, destroying it.
Flying with T1D
TSA and Airport Security
Type 1 Diabetes supplies are medically exempt from normal TSA restrictions. You are allowed to bring through security:
- Insulin in any form (vials, pens, cartridges)
- Syringes and needles (with insulin)
- Juice boxes and liquid glucose for treating lows (even over 3.4 oz)
- Insulin pumps (worn on the body)
- CGM devices (worn on the body)
- Glucagon kits
- All other diabetes supplies
How to make it smooth:
- Tell the TSA officer at the start: “My child has Type 1 Diabetes. We have medical supplies.”
- Separate diabetes supplies into a clear bag or pouch so they are easy to show
- Carry a letter from your endocrinologist — not always required, but helps if questioned
- You can request a visual inspection of supplies instead of X-ray if you prefer
- Insulin pumps and CGMs can go through metal detectors — check your manufacturer’s guidelines about body scanners
Pro tip: TSA PreCheck or Global Entry makes this much faster. The lines are shorter and officers are often more experienced with medical devices.
Insulin Pumps on Planes
Insulin pumps work normally on planes. The cabin is pressurized, so altitude changes do not affect insulin delivery. However:
- Air bubbles can expand at altitude. Check your pump tubing after takeoff and remove any air bubbles
- Omnipod users — your pod will work fine. No special precautions needed
- Set your CGM alerts slightly wider for travel days — stress and schedule changes cause unpredictable numbers
Time Zone Changes
This is the part that scares parents most, but it is simpler than you think.
For pump users: Change the pump clock to the new time zone when you arrive. The pump adjusts basal rates automatically. That is it.
For injection users (long-acting insulin like Lantus/Tresiba):
- Traveling east (shorter day): You may need a slightly smaller dose of long-acting insulin for the travel day
- Traveling west (longer day): You may need a slightly larger dose or a small supplemental dose
- Call your endo before the trip to get specific instructions for your child’s doses
General rule for time zone changes of 3+ hours: Adjust by 1–2 hours per day rather than all at once. Check blood sugar more frequently for the first 2–3 days.
Road Trips with T1D
Road trips are simpler than flying — no TSA, no time zones (usually), and you control the schedule. But they come with their own challenges.
Keep Insulin Cool
Insulin should stay between 36–86°F (2–30°C). A hot car can destroy insulin quickly. Never leave insulin in a parked car.
Solutions:
- Use an insulated cooler bag with a cold pack (not touching the insulin directly — wrap the cold pack in a cloth)
- FRIO cooling wallets work without ice — just soak in water and they keep insulin cool for hours
- Keep the diabetes supply bag in the air-conditioned passenger area, not the trunk
Snack Strategy
Pack a car snack box with:
- Low-carb options: cheese sticks, almonds, beef jerky, cucumber slices
- Medium-carb options: crackers with peanut butter, apple slices, granola bar
- Fast-acting sugar: juice boxes, glucose tabs (always accessible — front seat or child’s reach)
Stop Every 2–3 Hours
Long periods of sitting can cause blood sugar to rise. Regular stops for walking and stretching help. Plus, kids need bathroom breaks — high blood sugar means more frequent urination.
Check Blood Sugar More Often
Travel stress, different food, different schedule — all affect blood sugar. Check every 2–3 hours during a road trip, or keep a close eye on the CGM.
Hotel Stays
Set Up a Diabetes Station Immediately
First thing when you arrive: pick a spot (nightstand, desk) and set up your supplies — just like at home. Meter, insulin, fast-acting sugar, glucagon. Having everything in one place reduces middle-of-the-night panic.
Request a Mini Fridge
Most hotels will provide a mini fridge at no extra charge if you say it is for medical supplies (insulin). Call ahead or request at check-in.
Adjust for Activity Changes
Vacation usually means more walking, swimming, and activity than normal. This can cause lower blood sugar. Be prepared to:
- Reduce basal rates (pump users)
- Reduce long-acting insulin doses (injection users)
- Increase snacking
- Lower CGM low-alert threshold slightly
Keep the Room Number and Hotel Name Written Down
If your child is old enough to be in the pool or activity area without you, make sure they have:
- The hotel name and room number
- Your cell phone number
- Fast-acting sugar on them
- Their CGM or meter accessible
International Travel
Before You Go
- Call your insurance — ask about coverage abroad and how to handle emergencies
- Get a letter from your endo on official letterhead — include diagnosis, medications, device serial numbers, and a statement that all supplies are medically necessary. Have it translated if traveling to a non-English-speaking country
- Research pharmacies at your destination — in many countries, insulin is available over the counter at pharmacies. Know the brand names used locally (Humalog may be called something different)
- Check voltage — if your pump or meter needs charging, bring a travel adapter
Carry On the Plane (International Flights)
All the same rules as domestic, but stricter about documentation. Some countries require a doctor’s letter. Some require prescriptions for syringes. Research your specific destination’s requirements.
Travel Insurance
Strongly recommended for international travel with a T1D child. Look for policies that cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Medical evacuation
- Lost or stolen medical supplies
- Trip cancellation for medical reasons
Blood Sugar Challenges During Travel
Why Blood Sugar Goes Crazy During Travel
- Stress and excitement — raises blood sugar
- Different foods — unknown carb counts
- Schedule changes — meals at unusual times
- Activity changes — more or less than normal
- Time zones — disrupts insulin timing
- Dehydration — airport/car/plane air is dry, raises blood sugar
How to Handle It
- Check blood sugar more often (every 2–3 hours minimum)
- Stay hydrated — carry a water bottle
- Keep snacks and fast-acting sugar within reach at all times
- Accept that numbers will not be perfect on travel days
- Focus on safety (avoiding dangerous lows and highs) rather than perfect control
- Return to normal routine as quickly as possible at your destination
Emergency Preparation
Know Before You Go
- Location of the nearest hospital or urgent care at your destination
- Local emergency number (911 in US, 112 in Europe, etc.)
- Pharmacy location near your hotel
- Your endo’s after-hours number (save in your phone)
What If You Run Out of Supplies?
- Insulin: In the US, you can buy ReliOn insulin (regular and NPH) at Walmart without a prescription for about $25. It is not the same as your child’s insulin but works in an emergency. In many other countries, insulin is available at pharmacies without a prescription.
- Test strips: Most pharmacies carry common meter brands
- Syringes: Available at most pharmacies (laws vary by state/country)
- CGM sensors: Contact the manufacturer’s emergency line — they can sometimes ship to your location
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring insulin through airport security?
Yes. Insulin and all diabetes supplies are medically exempt from TSA liquid restrictions. Tell the officer you have medical supplies.
Will the X-ray machine damage my insulin or CGM?
Standard walk-through metal detectors are fine. For body scanners (millimeter wave), check your CGM/pump manufacturer’s guidelines. Most say they are safe, but you can always request a pat-down instead.
What if my child’s pump pod falls off during travel?
Replace it with a spare. Always carry at least 2 extra infusion sets or pods. If you run out, switch to manual injections using backup insulin pens/syringes until you can get more supplies.
How do I handle restaurant meals in a foreign country?
Use a translation card that explains your child’s diabetes in the local language. Stick to simple meals where you can see the ingredients. Use a carb counting app. When in doubt, estimate conservatively and check blood sugar 2 hours after eating.
Should I adjust insulin for the plane ride?
Most children do not need adjustments for short flights. For long international flights (8+ hours), check blood sugar every 3–4 hours, stay hydrated, and treat any highs or lows normally. The routine is the same — just the setting is different.
My child is scared to travel with diabetes. What do I say?
Normalize it. “We are bringing your diabetes supplies just like we bring toothbrushes. Diabetes travels with us and it does not stop us from having adventures.” Let them help pack their supplies — it gives them a sense of control.
This article is part of our Daily Management series on doublet1dmom.com.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your child’s endocrinologist before making changes to diabetes management during travel.