Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes: Lessons from a Month of Back-to-Back Trips as a Registered Dietitian and Type 1 Diabetic

‼️DISCLAIMER: although I am a healthcare professional, this post is not intended to be medical advice. This is simply me sharing some of what I know, but your body may not respond in this way so please make sure you are chatting with your diabetes educator and/or doctor first ‼️ or bring me onto your care team 😘

I’ve spent nearly a full month traveling consecutively—planes, cars, and different climates (Minnesota, California, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Florida, etc) —and learned more about managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) on the road than I ever could in a typical clinic setting. Below, I’ve gathered the science-backed strategies and real-world tips that kept my blood sugar stable, my supplies secure, and my stress levels manageable. Whether you’re a seasoned jetsetter or planning your first getaway, these lessons will help you travel safely—and confidently—with T1D.

1. Pre-Trip Prep: Pack Smart, Pack Twice

Supplies Stash

• Double (or triple) your supplies. I typically pack at least twice the insulin, infusion sets, and testing strips I expect to use. Unexpected delays, lost luggage, or extended stays can turn a small hiccup into a crisis.
• Carry-on only. Keep all diabetes supplies—insulin, pump, CGM, meters—in your carry-on. Checked baggage can be lost or exposed to extreme temperatures. 
• PRO-TIP: YOU GET AN EXTRA MEDICAL BAG!
• Backup pens & syringes. If you are on an insulin pump, bring insulin pens or syringes and a vial. They’re lighter than a second pump and ensure you can still deliver insulin if sets fail or get delayed.
• Chargers & batteries. Pack chargers for your pump, CGM, meter, and phone. Bring spare batteries if your meter uses them. Nothing derails a trip faster than dead devices.

Insulin Storage

• Insulated pouch: Use a small insulated bag with gel packs chilled (not frozen) overnight. Aim for refrigerator-cool, not freezer-cold—insulin loses potency if frozen.
• Shade & moderation: Avoid direct sunlight or car dashboards. Extreme heat or cold can spoil insulin.

2. Navigating TSA & Airline Policies

Traveling by air triggers unique considerations:

TSA Guidelines

• Insulin pumps & CGMs: These are classified as medical devices and can stay on during screening. Notify the agent and ask for a pat-down instead of a full body scan.
• Gel packs: You can bring gel ice packs for insulin if accompanied by a doctor’s note or prescription. They won’t count toward your liquid limit.
• Snacks & drinks: Pack non-perishable low carb snacks in your carry-on. After security, fill your empty water bottle at a fountain.

▶ Resources:

• TSA on diabetes travel https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2020/11/13/travel-tip-traveling-diabetes
• TSA insulin pump rules https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/insulin-pumps-and-glucose-monitors

3. Conquering Cabin Altitude Effects

Bubble Trouble in Pumps

Airplane cabin pressure sits around 6,000–8,000 ft equivalent. As altitude increases, pressure drops, leading to tiny bubbles in pump reservoirs. Bubbles displace insulin and can cause unintended delivery—followed by gaps on descent as bubbles redissolve and insulin flow halts. citeKing et al 2011

Strategy:

• Prime before descent. Remove air bubbles before landing to prevent delivery gaps (you may not need this strategy, double check with your doctor’s recommendation)
• Monitor IOB closely. Keep an eye on your pump’s insulin-on-board readings and adjust your basal rate if you notice unexplained highs or lows.

Altitude & Physiology

• Stress response: Hypoxia triggers cortisol, raising blood sugar like a stress surge.
• Fluid shifts: Dehydration risk increases at altitude, concentrating glucose.

4. Hydration & Caffeine: Balance Is Everything

Hydration Rule of Thumb

• 8 oz/hr minimum. Cabin air is arid; aim to drink at least one small bottle of water each hour. Hydration helps maintain blood volume and prevents pseudo-spikes caused by hemoconcentration.

Caffeine Caution

• Know your response. If caffeine spikes your blood glucose, switch to decaf or skip it entirely. Some of us (myself included) see a 30–50 mg/dL jump from black coffee or zero-calorie energy drinks. Adjust insulin proactively or avoid caffeine mid-trip.

5. Movement Matters: Layover Strategies

Walk It Out

• Layover walks: Strolling through terminals not only kills time but increases insulin sensitivity, blunting post-flight highs. Aim for 15–20 minutes of movement before boarding your next flight.
• In-flight stretches: Simple calf raises or seated leg lifts every hour can help circulation and maintain stable glucose.

6. In-Flight Blood Sugar Management

Basal Rate Adjustments

• Slight increase: If you run high on travel days, Consider raising your basal during long flights to counteract stress-induced highs—especially if you notice upward trends on your CGM.

Snack Access

• Stow low-carb snacks under your seat. Keep glucose tablets, nut packs, or cheese sticks within reach. Don’t rely on overhead bins.

7. Post-Arrival Survival Hacks

Grocery Store Pit Stop

• First morning shop: Head to a local market near your lodging for fresh proteins, fruits, and grab-and-go items. This saves money, time, and ensures you know carb counts.

Routine Resets

• Reestablish sleep & meal timing. Traveling disrupts circadian rhythms. Try to eat and sleep on local time immediately to stabilize insulin sensitivity.

8. Travel Nutrition Hacks

1. Macro-Balanced Snacks: Combine protein and fat with carbs to reduce glycemic load—think apple slices with peanut butter or Greek yogurt with berries.
2. Portable Portions: Pre-portion snacks in small baggies (15–30 g carbs) so you don’t overestimate on the go. You can bring protein powder if you have protein goals to get to!
3. DIY Trail Mix: Mix nuts, seeds, and a few dried fruit pieces for sustained energy without a high spike.
4. Electrolyte Packets: A pinch of salt or low-sugar electrolyte tabs in water helps replace lost minerals on long hauls.

9. Mindset & Validation

Travel is inherently stressful, and managing T1D on the road comes with extra layers of logistics and vigilance. It’s okay to feel anxious—acknowledge the mental load. You’re not just carrying luggage; you’re carrying responsibility for your health. Celebrate small wins: a day without a major hypo, seamless supply management, or a perfect pre-bolus. These are victories.

& remember, you’ve got this.

Stay fun,

Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES
Type One Type Fun

‼️DISCLAIMER: although I am a healthcare professional, this post is not intended to be medical advice. This is simply me sharing some of what I know, but your body may not respond in this way so please make sure you are chatting with your diabetes educator and/or doctor first ‼️ or bring me onto your care team 😘