Travel Kit Essentials For A Diabetes Emergency

Travelling with diabetes can be a little challenging. Whether it is for leisure or work, you always need to make sure that you have all the essential medicines, equipment and supplies in your luggage. Although the diabetic travel kit essentials vary from person to person, some of the items must be on the checklist of every diabetes patient. 

Let’s see what these travel kit essentials are and start packing for the next adventure.

Must-Have Diabetic Travel Kit Essentials

Blood Glucose Metre and Test Strips

Always carry a glucose metre or glucometer while travelling. Changes in time zones, weather, altitude, food and physical activity can drastically affect your blood sugar levels, making it essential to measure your blood glucose levels frequently. Also, do not forget to carry extra test strips. 

Oral Diabetes Medications

Pack all the prescribed diabetes pills and medicines. It is advised to pack some extra medication to make sure you don’t run out of them.  

Glucagon Emergency Kit

This kit contains glucagon that can be used in emergencies when the blood sugar levels fall too low and you may start to lose consciousness. 

Insulin Kit

Always carry extra insulin while travelling, and do not forget to include an insulin pump, syringes, pens or inhaler, whatever you use, in your diabetic travel kit. You must also carry all supporting documents and medical prescriptions to show at the airport. 

Insulin Cooling Bag

Insulin may get affected due to changes in temperature. Therefore, you must store insulin in cool bags or with ice packs to maintain the temperature. 

Extra Batteries

Carry extra batteries for both glucose metre and insulin pump. As the batteries differ across manufacturers, you may not find them at your travel destination.  

Lancing Devices and Lancets

You should use sterile lancets every time you test. Therefore, it is advised to carry ample amounts of lancets and a lancing device in your diabetic travel kit.  

Fast-Acting Glucose and Snacks

Carry a small supply of fast-acting glucose, such as glucose tablets or glucose gels which can be used at times of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Also, carry small packaged snacks like peanut butter, whole grain crackers or fruit juices to manage low blood sugar. 

Medical Details

Carry a medical ID stating that you have diabetes to get proper assistance during emergencies. You should also carry a health insurance card in your diabetic travel kit to avoid financial strain in case of emergencies. 

Furthermore, it is advised to carry a copy of the health history and prescriptions. It should contain information about diabetes, diabetic complications, medications, emergency contact numbers, details of your healthcare team, etc.   

First Aid Kit

In addition to your diabetes essentials, you should also carry a first aid kit. It contains bandages, gauze, antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-diarrhoea medication, thermometer, antiseptic cream, icepack, etc. 

Non-Medical Essentials

In your diabetes travel kit, don’t forget to include necessary non-medical supplies, such as alcohol swabs, tissues, hand sanitiser, etc. 

Tips For Packing a Diabetic Travel Kit

• Pack all your diabetes supplies in the carry-on bag or hand luggage, as the check-in luggage may get lost or misplaced. It will also ensure that your insulin and glucose strips are stored at a cooler and more stable temperature. 
• Make two diabetic travel kits. In case you lose one kit, you will have your second kit to keep you going. 
• Wear comfortable footwear and socks to avoid foot problems while travelling. If you don’t want to wear them in advance, you can pack them along with your diabetic travel kit and wear them on the aeroplane.

On a Final Note

Your diabetic travel kit includes all your medical essentials, such as glucose metre, insulin, insulin pumps, glucagon kit, oral medication, fast-acting carbohydrates and a first aid kit. 

Carrying all your diabetes essentials is extremely important while travelling to prevent complications and avoid any emergency. It is also advised to pack everything extra, so you don’t face any problems while travelling. 

References

• https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetic-emergency-kit
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322868548_Diabetes_and_travel
• https://www.diabetes.co.uk/travel/packing-for-a-trip.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type-1-4-ways-to-take-insulin.html
• https://pharmeasy.in/blog/traveling-with-diabetes-things-to-add-to-your-checklist/
• https://www.apollopharmacy.in/blog/article/what-travel-essentials-should-people-diabetes-carry