{"id":49153,"date":"2018-06-07T11:12:30","date_gmt":"2018-06-07T15:12:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asweetlife.org\/?p=49153"},"modified":"2018-06-07T11:12:30","modified_gmt":"2018-06-07T15:12:30","slug":"8-essential-packing-tips-every-traveler-with-diabetes-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asweetlife.org\/?p=49153","title":{"rendered":"8 Essential Packing Tips Every Traveler with Diabetes Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

I am a professional packer.\u00a0Whether I\u2019m away for two days or two weeks, I\u2019ve developed a system that helps me cram a lot of stuff into the confines of a carry on.\u00a0 That\u2019s no small feat, especially since I\u2019m always traveling with diabetes supplies.\u00a0And with the summer travel season upon us, it\u2019s a great time to compare traveling with diabetes tips and tricks on how we fit the necessities for our needy pancreases into a carry on bag.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bring glucose tabs.<\/strong>\u00a0 Traveling with glucose tabs is easiest because they are light weight, can get through airport security screenings without any trouble, and won\u2019t melt or spoil in the heat or cold.\u00a0 (Also, if they spill in your bag, they are easier to clean up than \u2026 say, juice.)\u00a0You can keep a tube of tabs in your backpack or purse and a jar in your carry on.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Learn to military roll your clothes.<\/strong>\u00a0 I know this doesn\u2019t sound like diabetes-related advice, but the more you pack with precision, the more stuff you can fit into your carry on.\u00a0 (Lifehacker has a great video to show you how to roll your clothes<\/a>.)\u00a0 If rolling them seems confusing, try employing packing cubes<\/a>for keeping your things organized.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bring \u2013 and WEAR \u2013 a medical ID.<\/strong>\u00a0 Especially if you\u2019re traveling alone, definitely wear medical ID jewelry while on the road.\u00a0 (I wear mine<\/a> every day because I\u2019m both used to it and also pretty damn paranoid.)\u00a0 Today\u2019s medical IDs are fashionable and nice looking, so adding it to your wardrobe on the regular is easier than in the past.\u00a0 But fashion preferences aside, a medical ID can speak for you when you might not be able to speak for yourself, so err on the side of caution and wear one.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Have a bag dedicated to diabetes supplies.<\/strong>\u00a0 Grab a spare packing cube, or camping bag, and .\u00a0 I like to keep my medical supplies in a bright orange bag (similar to this one<\/a>) so that I can find it quickly in my suitcase.\u00a0 Keeping my diabetes supplies separate from my toiletries also helps prevent shampoo or moisturizer from getting into my pump supplies.\u00a0 Also, it makes it easier for me to spot-check and make sure I have everything I need, without having to pick through a bigger bag of toiletries.<\/p>\n

Make an actual list.<\/strong>\u00a0 I keep an index card with my diabetes supplies written on it and I use it to confirm that I have everything I need when I\u2019m packing.\u00a0 I always bring the same things:\u00a0 insulin bottle, insulin pen, insulin pump infusion sets, cartridges, needle to fill cartridges, medical tape<\/a>, backup test strips, insulin pen needle caps, spare lancets, spare CGM sensor (if I\u2019m on the road for several days), and my non-diabetes related medical supplies.\u00a0 A quick glance at this list helps me grab what I need and prevents me from bringing stuff I don\u2019t need.<\/p>\n

Have necessary info at the ready.<\/strong>\u00a0 In keeping with that index card list, I also keep a photo on my phone of my most current pump settings.\u00a0 You never know when you may need to have that information handy, and if you\u2019re like me and you don\u2019t know your basal rates off-hand, photographic evidence is a good idea.\u00a0 Same goes for having contact information for your medical team in your phone, as well as an emergency contact (In Case of Emergency, or ICE) number.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bring back ups.<\/strong>\u00a0 This is good advice for both diabetes-related stuff and run-of-the-mill stuff.\u00a0 Always bring extras of things you may need.\u00a0 If you wear an insulin pump, get a prescription for a long acting insulin pen and keep it in your supply bag while traveling, just in case your pump gets the hiccups and you need to go back to shots for a few days.\u00a0 (And bring extra socks and underwear because it\u2019s always nice to have a spare pair.\u00a0So says everyone\u2019s grandmother.)<\/p>\n

Look into a loaner pump.<\/strong>\u00a0 This goes along with having a back up.\u00a0 If you\u2019re taking a longer trip and the idea of bouncing back to MDI makes you feel uncomfortable, connect with your insulin pump manufacturer to see if they can hook you up with a loaner pump.\u00a0 Most pump companies will send you a loaner for travel (you send it back when you\u2019ve returned from your trip).\u00a0<\/p>\n

But most importantly?\u00a0HAVE FUN.\u00a0 (\u201cAnd be safe,\u201d she whispers in her mom voice.) <\/em>\u00a0With a little planning, packing with diabetes can be streamlined to minimize trouble and maximize fun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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