I haven’t always had a diabetic packing list. But ever since I have, it’s made packing for a trip much less stressful.
Does the idea traveling make you anxious? Do you often wonder if you’ve forgotten to pack something? Have you experienced a diabetes emergency on a trip and didn’t have the supplies you needed? No more!
With a little extra planning and my latest diabetic packing list, you can now rest assured you have all you need. For this trip and also the next one!
Diabetic Packing List
I have thought to myself before leaving for a trip, “Well, at least I know I have all the medical supplies I need to live. If I’ve forgotten deodorant, there’s a store with that.” It’s funny, but it’s the truth. Packing medical supplies can be the most stressful part of packing — at least for me!
That’s why I created this list that I use over and over again. This printable diabetes packing list is full of ideas of what to pack for your travels. From all you need for your insulin and other medications to your CGM and glucose meters, it has you covered. Also, I have a list of miscellaneous items that are most often forgotten. So be sure to download your free copy at the bottom of this post.
FREE PACKING LIST PRINTABLE
Scroll down to the bottom of this post to download your FREE packing list printable!
What is In This Diabetic Packing List?
There are several things for people with diabetes to consider when packing for a trip. There are the more obvious things like medical devices, insulin, and low snacks. But there are several other things to consider that may make your trip less stressful and diabetes management more successful. Let’s take a look.
1. Blood Glucose Meter
You will need more than just a meter and test strips when you’re packing with diabetes. And YES – you need to pack a blood sugar meter even if you wear a CGM! Always keep a back up handy.
Things like lancets and extra batteries or your glucose meter charger are so necessary to include in this category. You don’t want to be without the extra supplies you need, or ways to ensure your meter has power to work properly to check your blood glucose levels.
CGM Supplies
If you wear a continuous glucose monitor it’s a good idea to pack everything you may need for it. Of course that includes extra sensors in case something happens to the one you’re wearing.
But some easily forgotten things include items like overpatches or extra tape. And don’t forget some adhesive remover. That’s an important need in case some of the sticky remains after you remove your CGM.
BONUS: 23 Tips for Traveling with Diabetes Safely
Insulin & Other Medications
Of course with type 1 diabetes, you will need to pack extra insulin in your diabetic supplies. But that’s not all. Do you have Frio pack or insulated bag? Or do you prefer another way to keep your insulin cool? You’ll also want to have reusable ice packs or gel packs with you.
And what about a protector for your insulin vials? You don’t want to lose any amount of insulin, let alone a full bottle of insulin! If you are taking manual daily injections, you will also need syringes or insulin pens. And don’t forget the pen needles and alcohol swabs.
If you wear an insulin pump, you will need to have your pump supplies and infusion sets also. And you will want to pack your pump charger or extra batteries. You will also need some sort of back up insulin (and a plan from your doctor) just in case your pump fails.
Also, if you take any oral diabetes medication, you will certainly want to pack that along.
Miscellaneous Diabetes Supplies
These are the things that are most often overlooked or forgotten, but definitely necessary to include on your packing list. You will want to pack an glucagon emergency kit. And you’ll also want plenty of snacks, juice boxes, glucose tablets, or (my personal favorite) glucose gummies to treat a low blood sugar.
A medical ID bracelet (or something similar) is key to bring along with you. You’ll want some sort of medical identification.
Also, what about a medical card with your diabetes diagnosis (or other medical conditions) and healthcare provider info on it? That would be helpful in case you need to see a doctor where you are traveling. And there are even more miscellaneous suggestions on the printable list below.
How to Use This Packing List
First, this packing list is totally free to you! I want you to be fully prepared and safe for travel. Personally, I think traveling with diabetes is stressful enough, but packing is the worst. So take this free download (at the bottom of this post) and allow it to alleviate your travel anxieties!
You will see three different lists in this download. Feel free to use whichever one works best for you. Each of them also have additional lines for you to personalize this list for all your travel needs.
So simply add your name and email below, and your free instant download will come up. Be sure to save that to your computer so you can access it for your next trip also!
Then you can easily scan through and choose which page(s) to print. Fill in your additional items on the lines provided, and then you have yourself a comprehensive all-in-one packing list!
Other Tips To Consider Before Traveling
There’s more to being prepared for a trip than simply packing at home. We also need to be prepared once we arrive at our destination. Here are a few helpful tips that are a good rule of thumb:
- Locate the nearest grocery store in case you need to stock up on snacks or beverages.
- Find the nearest pharmacy. If you regularly visit a chain pharmacy, do they have one near by? You may need them for something simple like more glucose tabs, or a prescription refill.
- Where is the nearest emergency room or urgent care? I certainly hope you don’t need medical assistance on your trip, but we should find good options and have an emergency plan as a general rule, right?
- Should you pack any other medications, such as motion sickness meds?
- Keep your emergency contact information with you at all times. Again, just in case.
- If you’re traveling abroad, learn how to say things like “doctor” and “orange juice please” and other things like that in the local language.
How Much to Pack
I talk about this in my Traveling with Diabetes blog post. Some sources say to pack double what you would normally need in your diabetes bag, and some say triple. I personally find that I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. But the amount you pack is up to you. Just know it is wise to pack extra.
Be sure to read that post for more great tips, including:
- what to pack in a carry-on bag during air travel
- adjusting insulin in case of a change in physical activity level
- caring for your feet during your trip
- navigating airport security and metal detectors
- adjusting for different time zones
- how long insulin can stay at room temperature
- checking your blood sugar levels more frequently
- and more!
Get Your Free PACKING LIST PRINTABLE:
Is This HelpFul?
My hope is that this post and free download can bring you peace of mind for times of travel. Plan for the worst case scenario, and you will be covered. With a small amount of extra preparation, your trip can go much smoother.
If you liked reading this post, would you please let me know? I would love to hear from you!
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This download is intended as a guide only. For more packing tips, please consult your healthcare team.
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