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Traveling often means long days and unpredictable schedules. But if you have diabetes, the added challenges of meal timing and limited food options can make air travel extra stressful.
Fortunately, there’s no reason for your diagnosis to hold you back. People with diabetes travel every day. Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation, or to friends and family, you need to be prepared. Here’s how to stay safe and healthy before, during, and after your flight.
One DiabetesTeam member asked, “I have type 2 diabetes, and I’m on a strict diet. I want to travel overseas — how can I manage my food on the flights and on tour or holiday?” If you’ve wondered the same thing, preparation is your best tool.
Before heading to the airport, create a travel checklist. Include everything you need to manage your diabetes. Bring all medications, testing supplies, and devices, such as glucose meters, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and insulin pumps, in your carry-on bag. Never check these items. Cargo holds can experience extreme temperatures that can affect your supplies and medication. And, there’s always a risk of lost baggage.
Experts recommend packing double the amount of supplies you would normally use for the duration of your trip. This is to provide some leeway in case of flight delays or lost items.
To avoid issues with airport security, keep insulin and glucagon pens in their original packaging, clearly labeled with your prescription information. Store insulin in a small, insulated bag with a cool pack if possible. Just make sure the ice pack is frozen solid to meet liquid restrictions for air travel.
Travelers with diabetes can bring medical supplies, sharps containers, and liquid medications through security. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), gel packs, juice boxes, and glucose gels are also allowed when used for medical purposes, even if they exceed the standard 3.4-ounce liquid limit.
When you’re at security, declare your medical items right away. Store them in a clear plastic bag so they’re easy to remove and show the agents. Some medical devices are damaged by X-rays, so you can ask the TSA worker to examine your insulin pumps or glucose monitors.
Ask your doctor for a printed note describing your diabetes and need for supplies. You can share this at the airport if needed to help the process go as smoothly as possible.
Airline food options can be unpredictable. If you have unexpected delays, you may be stuck on the tarmac for hours without access to food. Always pack diabetes-friendly snacks you can have if hunger strikes or your blood sugar dips.
Some good carry-on options include:
Avoid snacks that are messy or perishable. Ideally, you’ll want something that has a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber to help you feel satisfied and stable.
If you’re booking a long flight, most airlines allow passengers to request special meals for diabetes. However, these must usually be ordered before your flight. When checking in, remind the airline staff and flight attendants about your dietary needs. They can help make sure you get the special meal you requested and store insulin in the cabin refrigerator if needed.
If you need to eat at a specific time, let the flight crew know. They can help make sure your meal timing aligns with your medical needs rather than the planned meal schedule on the flight.
Changes in routine, meal timing, and sleep can all affect blood sugar. Before takeoff, check your glucose level. If needed, have a small, balanced meal or snack. During long flights, monitor regularly. Remember, if you’re anxious about flying or stressed about your trip, your blood sugar may be higher than usual.
If you use a CGM, make sure it’s fully charged and calibrated. Keep in mind that some airlines require Bluetooth devices to be turned off during takeoff and landing. Carry a backup glucose meter in case you need to test manually.
The air inside an airplane cabin is very dry, which can lead to dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your blood glucose levels may rise, and you may not feel your best. Drink plenty of water before and during your flight. But limit caffeine and alcohol, since they can promote dehydration, impacting your blood sugar and increasing the risk of diabetes complications.
Also, sitting for an extended time raises the risk of blood clots. Try to get up and stretch or walk the aisle every hour or two if possible. If you can’t move around easily, flex and extend your legs while seated to promote circulation.
If your blood sugar goes down mid-flight, act quickly. If you’re traveling with others, let them know the basics of your diabetes care plan. Tell them what to do if your blood sugar drops so that you have support. This can be especially important if you experience severe hypoglycemia and may need help accessing your supplies.
If your blood sugar runs high, stay hydrated. If you use insulin, correct your dose according to your care plan. Be careful to avoid overcorrecting. Flight stress and time zone changes can make glucose less predictable.
Don’t hesitate to alert the flight crew if you don’t feel well. Most airlines carry emergency medical kits. Flight attendants are trained to respond to medical issues and can help you get through the flight safely.
Airline food service varies widely by carrier and route, and not all meals are suitable for people with diabetes. If you didn’t pre-order a special meal, review what’s available once you’re onboard. Look for balanced options that combine lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
For example, a chicken or fish entrée with vegetables and brown rice is preferable to pasta with creamy sauce. If the meal includes dessert, consider skipping it or saving a small portion for later when your blood sugar is stable.
You can also estimate carbs when labels aren’t available. In-flight meals rarely come with detailed nutrition information.
In these cases, use visual cues to gauge the carbohydrate content:
If you use insulin, dose on the low side when you’re not sure. It’s safer to check your blood sugar again later than to take too much insulin.
If you have connecting flights, don’t assume you’ll have time to grab food between gates. Pack enough snacks for the full journey, including layovers, in case your connecting flight is delayed or you encounter limited options. Airports often have restaurants with carb-heavy meals. Sticking with your own pre-portioned food can help keep your levels steady until you reach your destination.
If you’re traveling to another time zone, managing insulin can be tricky. For short trips or a minimal time change, it shouldn’t be a big issue. But for longer international flights, work with your healthcare provider to adjust your insulin timing gradually. Your body may need time to adapt to your new time zone.
For a trip far from home, it’s a good idea to get familiar with local healthcare services you can access if needed. Make sure you know where the closest hospital or clinic is and how to get your prescriptions and supplies during your trip.
On DiabetesTeam, people share their experiences with type 2 diabetes, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
What are your diabetes travel tips? Let others know in the comments below.
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