Diabetes Bag for Travel: What Every Type 1 Diabetic Should Pack!

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Traveling with diabetes is…a challenge, to say the least. But you may find that the traveling part is the easiest part of the journey. The REAL test comes before you even make it to the airport. Of course, I’m talking about packing. Packing is hard enough as it is. You already have to make sure you pack clothes, shoes, and toiletries (don’t forget your toothbrush!). But, with diabetes, you have a whole other additional bag to worry about! Yup, I’m talking about all of your pens and needles and vials and glucose meters. The upside to all of this, you get a completely free extra carry-on bag for your medication and devices! The downside, you have to remember to pack everything. But don’t worry! My good friend Disha (from @travelwithat1d on instagram) is a frequent traveler with Type 1 Diabetes and she has curated a packing list for your personal diabetes bag!

This post will list everything you should pack in your diabetes bag, along with links for any recommended products! If you want, print out the packing list graphic so that you can have it every time you travel! I would recommend laminating it so you can use it over and over!

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Diabetes Bag: Carry-On

Due to the sensitive nature of insulin, NEVER PACK IT IN YOUR CHECKED BAG. The changing temperatures of the cabin can and WILL wreck your insulin. So just don’t do it. While there are some things that may be able to be stowed away in your checked bag (mostly extras and backups!), the large majority of your medication and devices will be on the plane with you!

Your carry-on diabetes bag should contain the following:

• Doctor’s letter: Make sure that the doctor’s note clearly states that you are a Type1/Type2 diabetic and you NEED to have your insulin vials, pens, needles, glucose tablets, test strips, etc. with you at all times. It also helps to have your prescription paper on hand with you.

• Medical devices awareness card: This is more of a just in case. Sometimes, the airport security might not be familiar with your medical devices, so it can help speed things along if they have questions.

• Insulin pens and vials: It is always easier if your medication has your name on it, along with the original label.

• Extra insulin: Always carry backups!

• Pump supplies – Infusion set, syringe, needle, cartridge or pods: If you are using an insulin pump and/or CGM, the letter should state that under no circumstances should you be put through whole-body scanners or any X-ray machine, as the x-ray can interfere with the pump causing pump failure.

• Long-acting insulin: Just in case your pump fails

• CGM sensors/transmitters/receiver

• Blood glucose meter

• Test strips, needles, and lancets

• Glucotabs and Glucojuice or any fast-acting carbs

• Snacks for post hypo carbs

• Alcohol wipes

• Glucagon

• Batteries for your pump/ CGM/ BG Meter: In case they are not rechargeable.

• Charged Power bank: For charging your rechargeable pump. Make sure it is CHARGED before leaving the house!!

• Miao Miao charging cable and stickers: If you are on Flash glucose monitoring

• Portable sharps container

• Insulin cooling pouch: If you are expecting to be in hotter climates

• Stickers and patches for your CGMs

Diabetes Bag: Check-in

As you saw above, MOST if not all of your diabetes gear will be in your carry on bag(s). But if you DO have some space in your checked bag, it might be a safety net to pack a few non-essential backups. That said, remember that your checked bag CAN get delayed/lost/damaged, so do not pack anything essential in it.

• Ketone test meter with strips

• More Glucotabs and Juice

• More snacks for the rest of your trip

• Tapes and adhesives

All Ready to Fly?

Now that you are all backed, you’re more than halfway to your destination! For some more tips on diabetes travel, check out my other posts covering the topic, as well as traveling with chronic conditions in general!

• Airplane Tips for Diabetics
• General tips for traveling with Type 1 Diabetes
• General tips for traveling with a chronic condition
• Tips for traveling with a wheelchair

Any other questions (or recommendations?) for what should go in your bag?

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