Traveling With Diabetes: 13 Tips To Be Safe and Ready
Stay on top of your diabetes management and make the most of your trip
Traveling can be stressful — and if you have diabetes, there’s a bit more prep work that goes into ensuring your trip runs smoothly. Still, getting time away and breaking up your everyday routine is good for your mental health and can help you reconnect with yourself, family and friends.
From deciding what you need to pack in your carryon to choosing where you’ll eat and what you’ll do for fun, it’s important to be able to relax and enjoy your vacation while staying on top of your diabetes management. Continue reading to discover our top tips for making the most of your time away.
Tips for traveling with diabetes
Putting a little extra thought into your vacation can ensure you have a safe, fun and enjoyable trip. Here’s what to focus on if you or your travel companion has diabetes:
Before you go
- Don’t travel with expired medication. Call your doctor before your trip to get refills and consider packing extra in case of travel delays.
- Bring an extra CGM sensor and blood glucose monitor.
- If you take insulin or sulfonylureas, make sure to talk to your doctor about ready-to-use glucagon, so you’re ready for a severe low. Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection) is a ready-to-use rescue pen that anyone can administer. It’s convenient for travel since it doesn’t require refrigeration.
- Consider packing a doctor’s note (especially if you don’t have a medical ID bracelet) explaining your diabetes diagnosis and medication requirements.
- Locate a nearby pharmacy or medical clinic at your destination.
- Pack your diabetes supply kit (including medications and travel snacks) in an easy-to-find, labeled carryon bag. You can even purchase a diabetic travel case.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes so you can stay active.
During your trip
- Allow extra time at the airport to get through security with your diabetes supplies.
- Consider letting your flight attendant know you have diabetes if you’re traveling on a long-distance flight.
- Your activity levels and eating habits will likely change during your trip. Check your blood sugar often and treat any lows or highs as instructed by your doctor.
- Keep your insulin cool and out of direct sunlight.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
- Make sure your traveling companions know where your glucagon is, when to use it and how to use it.
When you get home
- When you unpack your equipment and supplies, check for any issues and ensure everything is working properly.
- Refill any medications that are running low.
Preparation can make a huge difference when you travel with diabetes. The less you have to worry about your diabetes care, the more you can focus on being in the moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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Indication
GVOKE (glucagon) is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar in adults and children ages 2 years and above with diabetes.
Important Safety Information
- Do not use GVOKE if you:
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- Have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys, called a pheochromocytoma because of the risk of a substantial increase in blood pressure
- Have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma because of the risk of low blood sugar
- Are allergic to glucagon or any inactive ingredient in GVOKE. Stop using GVOKE and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure
- Before using GVOKE, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take and your medical conditions, including if you have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation), have low blood sugar that does not go away (chronic hypoglycemia), or have a history of a skin rash called necrolytic migratory erythema (commonly associated with glucagon-producing tumors)
- The most common side effects reported in adults are nausea, vomiting, swelling at the injection site, and headache
- The most common side effects reported in children are nausea, low blood sugar, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, high blood sugar, pain or redness at injection site, and hives
- Inform caregivers on the Instructions for Use of GVOKE, and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia, which include unconsciousness and seizures or convulsions
- Store in original container until time of use, and at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20° C to 25° C)
- You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088
Please talk to your doctor and see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information Guide for GVOKE.