Spring Break Travel Guide: TSA, Packing & Peace of Mind with Type 1 Diabetes

Disclaimer: While I am a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist with Type 1 Diabetes myself, this blog post is not intended as medical advice. I'm sharing from my personal experience and professional knowledge, but your diabetes management should always be discussed with your healthcare team. What works for me or others may need to be adjusted for your unique situation.

Spring Break Is Coming (And You're Already Stressed)

Everyone else is excited about their trip. Posting countdowns on Instagram. Talking about beaches, adventures, time off.

And you? You're making a mental checklist:

Did I order enough CGM sensors? What if TSA gives me problems? How do I keep my insulin cold on the plane? What if I go low on the beach and left my glucose tabs in the hotel? What happens if my pump fails and I'm in another state? Do I have enough supplies for the whole trip plus backups?

Everyone else gets to just... pack and go.

You get to plan like you're going on a medical expedition.

And maybe you've already Googled "traveling with Type 1 Diabetes" and found either:

1. Overwhelming 47-step checklists that make you more anxious
2. Vague advice like "bring extra supplies" (no kidding)
3. Horror stories in Facebook groups that make you want to cancel the trip

But here's what I need you to know: You can travel with Type 1 Diabetes. You can have an amazing trip. And you don't have to stress yourself into a high blood sugar before you even leave.

Let me show you how.

The 2 Big Travel Fears (And Why They're Valid)

When I work with clients who are planning trips, two fears come up over and over:

Fear #1: "What if something goes wrong and I don't have what I need?"

This is the nightmare scenario. Your pump fails. You run out of insulin. Your CGM sensors all fail. You're in a different city (or country) and you can't get supplies.

This fear is valid. It's scary. And it's exactly why preparation matters.

Fear #2: "What if I can't manage my blood sugar in a new environment?"

Different foods. Different activity levels. Different schedule. Different time zone. All of it throws off your routine.

You've worked hard to figure out your insulin ratios and timing at home. But on vacation? Everything changes.

This fear is also valid. Travel disrupts patterns. And that's hard when you rely on patterns to manage your blood sugar.

But here's the thing: you can prepare for both of these fears. And preparation turns anxiety into confidence.

TSA and Airport Security: What You Actually Need to Know

Let's start with the part that stresses everyone out the most: getting through airport security with all your diabetes supplies.

The Rules (According to TSA):

• You CAN bring insulin, syringes, pump supplies, CGM sensors, and glucose tabs through security
• You CAN bring more than 3.4 oz of liquid if it's medically necessary (juice boxes, liquid glucose)
• You DO NOT have to remove your insulin pump or CGM for screening
• You CAN request a manual pat-down instead of going through the body scanner

What Actually Happens: Most TSA agents have seen diabetes supplies before. Most of the time, it's fine. You put your supplies in a bin, they swab your hands or the supplies, you're through.

But sometimes you get an agent who doesn't know the rules. Sometimes they want to open your insulin. Sometimes they give you a hard time.

Here's what to do:

Before you go:

• Print out the TSA diabetes supplies page from their website (yes, actually print it)
• Get a doctor's note if it makes you feel more confident (not required, but sometimes helpful)
• Pack your supplies in a clear bag so they're easy to see

At security:

• Tell the TSA agent you have diabetes supplies before they start screening
• If you wear a pump or CGM, let them know you'd prefer a pat-down instead of the scanner (you can go through scanners, but you can also opt out)
• If an agent gives you trouble, politely ask for a supervisor
• Stay calm (I know it's hard, but getting stressed spikes your blood sugar)

Pro tip: I always say something like, "I have diabetes supplies including insulin and a medical device. I'm happy to answer any questions." This usually smooths things over.

Packing: The Actual Checklist You Need

Forget the 47-step lists. Here's what you actually need:

Insulin & Supplies (Pack Double What You Think You'll Need):

• Insulin (2x your normal amount for the trip length)
• Syringes or pen needles (2x what you'll use)
• Pump supplies (if you use a pump - extra infusion sets, reservoirs, batteries)
• CGM sensors (2x what you'll need, plus one emergency backup)
• Blood glucose meter and test strips (even if you have a CGM - backup is essential)
• Lancets
• Alcohol wipes
• Skin prep (if you use it)
• Medical tape or adhesive (in case a sensor starts peeling)

Low Treatment:

• Glucose tabs (pack these EVERYWHERE - your carry-on, your checked bag, your purse, your partner's bag)
• Juice boxes
• Fast-acting snacks you know work for you

Emergency Supplies:

• Glucagon or emergency glucose gel
• Ketone test strips
• A written plan for what to do if your pump fails
• Backup long-acting insulin (if you're on a pump and it fails, you need a plan)
• Phone numbers for your doctor and insurance

Documentation:

• Prescriptions for all your medications and supplies (in case you need refills)
• Doctor's note explaining your medical needs (optional but helpful)
• Insurance card
• List of all your medications and doses

Comfort Items:

• Extra batteries for pump/meter
• Charging cables for devices
• Insulated bag or cooling case for insulin (if you're going somewhere hot)

Split Your Supplies Between Bags:

This is crucial. Never put all your supplies in checked luggage.

Checked bags get lost. It happens. If all your insulin and supplies are in that bag, you're in trouble.

Pack your essential supplies in your carry-on:

• At least 2-3 days worth of insulin
• Enough pump/CGM supplies to get you through if your checked bag is delayed
• All your low treatments
• Your meter and test strips

Then pack your backup supplies in your checked bag.

If you're traveling with someone, split supplies between both of your bags. That way if one bag gets lost, you still have something.

Temperature and Insulin: Keeping It Safe

Insulin needs to stay between 36-86°F (2-30°C). Too hot or too cold and it can lose effectiveness.

For flights:

• Keep insulin in your carry-on (cargo holds can freeze)
• If you're worried about it getting too warm, use an insulated case with a cooling pack (but don't let insulin touch ice directly)

For hot destinations:

• Don't leave insulin in a hot car
• Keep it in the hotel room, not by the window in direct sun
• Use a cooling case if you'll be out all day
• Hotel mini-fridges work, but don't put insulin in the freezer section

For cold destinations:

• Don't let insulin freeze (frozen insulin is ruined)
• Keep it close to your body if you're outside in extreme cold
• Hotel rooms are usually fine

Pro tip: Insulin at room temperature (below 86°F/30°C) is fine for 28 days. You don't have to refrigerate it constantly. Just keep it out of extreme heat or cold.

Time Zones and Insulin Timing

This one confuses people. If you're crossing time zones, how do you adjust your insulin?

For pumps: Just change the time on your pump when you land. Your basal rates stay the same, they just shift with the new time zone. Easy.

For long-acting insulin (injections): If you're traveling east (shorter day), you might need slightly less long-acting insulin that day. If you're traveling west (longer day), you might need slightly more.

But honestly? For most trips (1-3 hour time changes), you can just take your long-acting at your normal time in the new time zone and be fine. Your body adjusts.

For big time changes (6+ hours), you might want to talk to your doctor about a specific plan. Or better yet, bring this question to the monthly Q&A calls in the membership where we can walk through your specific trip.

Managing Blood Sugar in a New Environment

This is the part that feels unpredictable. New foods, different activity levels, disrupted routine.

Here's what helps:

Restaurant meals: You're going to eat out more. That's part of travel.

• Look up nutrition info online when possible
• Start conservative with insulin doses (you can always add more)
• Keep glucose tabs with you at all times (restaurant meals can surprise you)

Activity levels: You might be walking way more than usual (sightseeing) or way less (beach lounging).

• Check your blood sugar more frequently
• Adjust basal rates if needed (more activity = might need to reduce basal)
• Bring snacks for unexpected lows

Sleep disruption: Travel messes with sleep. Sleep affects blood sugar.

• Be patient with yourself
• Don't expect perfect numbers when your routine is off
• Focus on avoiding dangerous lows, not perfect flatlines

Alcohol (if that's part of your trip): We talked about this in the holiday party post, but quick reminder:

• Alcohol can drop your blood sugar hours later
• Never drink on an empty stomach
• Have a plan for checking blood sugar before bed
• Tell someone you're traveling with about your diabetes and how to help if needed

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Let's talk about the worst-case scenarios so you're prepared:

Scenario 1: You run out of supplies

Call your insurance and see if they'll approve an emergency refill at a pharmacy near you. Sometimes they will.

If not, call your doctor and ask them to call in a prescription to a local pharmacy. Most doctors will do this for emergencies.

Worst case? Go to an urgent care or ER. They can give you insulin and supplies to get you through until you get home.

Scenario 2: Your pump fails

This is why you pack backup supplies. If your pump dies, you need:

• Long-acting insulin (this is your basal replacement)
• Fast-acting insulin and syringes (this is your bolus)

If you don't have these, go to an urgent care or ER immediately. They can help.

Scenario 3: You have a severe low or high

Use your glucagon if needed for lows.

For highs that won't come down, check for ketones. If you have ketones, drink water, take insulin, and monitor closely. If ketones are high or you're vomiting, go to an ER.

The most important thing: Don't try to tough it out. Get help if you need it.

Why the Membership Helps (Especially for Travel)

Here's the thing about travel: you can read all the guides in the world, but your specific trip is unique. Your specific questions are unique.

That's where the membership comes in.

The waitlist is open now. Doors open in March. Founding member pricing is only available for the first group.

When you join, you get:

Immediate access when doors open:

• Pre-Bolusing Course: Essential for restaurant meals and unpredictable eating times while traveling
• Downloadable guides including tracking logs for travel
• Private community where you can ask, "I'm going to Cancun next month, what do I need to know?"

Coming in April:

• Carb Ratio Testing Course: So your baseline is solid before you travel

Monthly live Q&A calls where you can ask:

• "I'm flying to California, how do I handle the time change?"
• "I'm going on a cruise, what should I pack?"
• "My blood sugar was all over the place on my last trip, what went wrong?"

And I'll walk you through it. Based on YOUR trip, YOUR concerns, YOUR diabetes.

Plus a community of people who've traveled with T1D and can share what worked (and what didn't).

This isn't just a course you take once and forget. It's ongoing support for every trip you take.

Join the WAITLIST

Founding members lock in their pricing forever. The price will increase after we hit a certain number of members.

For less than what most people spend on coffee per week, you get lifetime access to everything. Forever.

You Can Do This

I know travel with Type 1 Diabetes feels overwhelming. I know the packing list is long and the what-ifs are scary.

But you can do this.

You deserve to travel. You deserve to have adventures. You deserve to make memories without diabetes holding you back.

And with the right preparation and support, you can.

A few final tips:

Pack early. Don't wait until the night before to realize you're out of CGM sensors.

Check your supplies twice. Make a list, check it, then check it again.

Tell someone you're traveling with about your diabetes. Show them where your glucagon is. Make sure they know how to help if needed.

Bring way more supplies than you think you'll need. It's better to have too much than not enough.

And give yourself grace. Your blood sugar might not be perfect on vacation. That's okay. You're still doing an amazing job.

Spring break is supposed to be fun. And it can be. Even with Type 1 Diabetes.

Ready to Travel with Confidence?

The membership gives you the support you need for travel and every other real-life scenario.

Join the waitlist now: Click HERE

Doors open in March. Founding member pricing won't last forever.

And remember: You've got this. You're stronger than you think. And you're not doing this alone.

Safe travels!