Going on a trip can be anxiety-provoking as it is.
Perhaps unsurprisingly to anyone with T1, it mostly involves a lot of planning and preparation.
Make a pretrip appointment with your endocrinologist.
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But if you have any questions, uncertainties, or pretrip nerves, its absolutely worth the visit.
Your doctor can help you figure out how your day-to-daydiabetesmanagement may change while youre away.
This kind of situation is a lot less scary if you already have your plan B on paper.
Two birds, one stoneyou know the deal.
Pack twice as much of every diabetes supply as you think youll need.
Figure out how much of each you plan to use.
Ive always followed this simple rule of thumb, and its never let me down.
If you dont believe me, then take it from theCDC, which also recommends this tip.
Yes, this takes up alotof precious luggage real estate.
Bringing twice as much stuff as you think youll need will help cover you in those situations.
It will also probably give you some peace of mind.
Running even slightly low on supplies can trigger enoughstressandanxietyto ruin a trip.
Its hard to enjoy yourself if you think theres a possibility you wont have life-sustaining medical supplies!
Put your medical supplies in your carry-on.
So, yes, that massive arsenal of medical supplies needs to board the plane with you.
Ive lost my luggage only one time, and it was just for two days.
Again, these are the literal essentials necessary to keep you alive and healthy.
They take priority over whatever else you want to carry on.
Mention your medical supplies to TSA before you go through airport security.
Airport security can be extremely stressful for pretty much anyone.
That basically goes double if youre traveling with medical devices and supplies.
Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to make the airport security process easier for all involved.
What Ive learned over the years is that communicating that you havediabetesASAP will generally be to your benefit.
If youre concerned, you might do some research about those laws based on where youre headed.
Be ready for a pat-down in some cases (and budget extra time for security).
I think a lot of people dont actually know that, Dr. Vouyiouklis Kellis adds.
I didnt for a long time!
Things get trickier when it comes to taking an insulin pump or CGM through metal detectors and body scanners.
This wont negate the need for a pat-down, but it might speed things up a bit.
Bring a doctors letter and medication list on your trip.
Hopefully, that can help deter any potential issues with TSA, she says.
I know firsthand how useful this tip can be.
(I heavily enjoyed my carbs while I was there, as you do.)
Test your blood sugar more often than usual.
Blood sugar levels can beunpredictableeven on the most routine day of your life.
Just the stress and excitement of travel can do it too, Dr. Vouyiouklis Kellis adds.
I know that traveling with punch in 1 diabetes can put a lot of added stuff on your plate.
