Travelling or Going Away
Having Diabetes does not stop young people from travelling; it only means they require preparations and planning in advance. With proper care, children with Diabetes will be able to travel and enjoy their vacation. When travelling with a child who has Diabetes, you need to consider the following:
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How to manage blood sugar
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What to take with you for Diabetes emergencies
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How much medications and Diabetes supplies to keep with you
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How to handle security checks in the airport
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How to deal with unexpected delays and illness, and be well prepared
Helpful tips while you are travelling:
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Develop a treatment plan with your child’s healthcare team to ensure a trouble-free trip
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Discuss how to manage sick days with the healthcare team before travelling
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Carry a travel letter from the Diabetes team indicating that your child has Type 1 Diabetes
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Always take double your child’s required Diabetes supplies for unforeseen circumstances
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Diabetes Supplies include:
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Insulin
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Syringes and needles
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A glucometer
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Testing strips
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Lancets
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Ketone testing strips
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Pens and pen needles
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Pump and pump supplies; if your child is using one
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Extra batteries for glucometer and for insulin pump
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A cool bag to store your child’s insulin
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A first aid kit that contains plasters, an antiseptic, and medications for sick days, etc.
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A quick source of sugar and snacks
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Glucagon; if prescribed by your child’s doctor
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Keep the insulin in a small Coleman and the Diabetes equipment in your hand luggage with you. Keep the supplies in two bags in case one is lost. Never keep them in the suitcase; extreme temperature can damage the insulin
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Make a list of all the current medicines in case you need more supplies whilst you are away
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Make sure to regularly check your child’s blood sugar
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Always keep a bottle of water handy
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Always carry snacks such as sandwiches, biscuits, or cereal bars to cover any unexpected delays in travel. Remember to take this in your hand luggage
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Avoid giving your child “diabetic meals” on airplanes as they may not contain sufficient carbohydrate. It is better to take the ordinary meal or to carry extra food with you
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Always carry a quick source of sugar to treat hypoglycemia, such as glucose tablets, glucose gel, hard candies, honey, or fruit juice. Your child’s Diabetes doctor might prescribe glucagon to treat hypoglycemia in case of emergencies
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Hypoglycemia happens when your child’s blood sugar level drops too low (< 4 mmol/L). Signs of hypoglycemia include one or more of the following:
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Feeling tired and weak
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Feeling very hungry
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Cold sweats
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Having a headache
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Feeling sick
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A tingling feeling in the hands, lips, or tongue
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Difficulty thinking or talking properly
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Change in behavior
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