5 Tips for Traveling When You Have Diabetes

Staying on track with diabetes during travel isn’t easy. Travel can throw off your eating schedule, medication timing, physical activity, and stress levels, impacting your blood sugar. 

While many people associate diabetes management with insulin or other medications, sticking to a diabetes-friendly meal plan is typically the most challenging aspect of managing diabetes while on the road.

At Wynantskill Family Medicine, Dr. Ritchie Parrotta, Dr. Scott Parrotta, and our team work closely with patients to manage chronic diseases, including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Whether you use insulin, metformin, or GLP-1s, or manage through diet and lifestyle alone, we can help you maintain stable blood sugar even while away from home.

1. Aim to maintain structure

Travel tends to disrupt the type of food you can access and the timing, but you can travel well with diabetes. 

For those with Type 1 diabetes, skipped meals can lead to dangerous lows. For those with Type 2 diabetes, extra carbs or delayed meals can cause unexpected spikes. It’s wise to pack a safety net of reliable snacks, such as:

• Roasted nuts or pumpkin seeds
• Low-carb protein bars
• No-sugar-added applesauce or dried fruit
• String cheese or cheese crisps

These snacks can bridge gaps between meals or save you from making a poor decision when healthy options are scarce.

2. Prep for the food environment

Check menus at restaurants near your destination and take note of places where you can find healthier fare. Hotel buffets tend to offer carb-heavy options, such as bagels, pancakes, and pastries. Check for better options, including eggs, plain yogurt, or fresh vegetables.

If you travel internationally, learn the words for sugar, carbohydrate, or diabetes in the local language. That can help you read labels or ask questions at restaurants more confidently.

3. Hydrate more than you think you need to

Dehydration can lead to elevated blood sugar and trigger fatigue or headaches, especially on planes or in hot climates. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink throughout the day. If you drink coffee or alcohol, balance it out with extra water to avoid added diuretic effects.

4. Make your medication and tech travel-ready

If you use insulin or a continuous glucose monitor, protect your supplies from temperature extremes with a small cooler or insulated case. Carry a backup glucometer and extra batteries or chargers. 

If you take metformin or GLP-1 medications, store them in your carry-on bag instead of your checked luggage. If you're crossing time zones, our team can provide a dosing plan that accounts for the time change. 

5. Don’t ignore foot care

Increased walking or sightseeing means more wear-and-tear on your feet. For those with neuropathy or circulation issues, small blisters or cuts can escalate quickly. Wear supportive, closed-toe shoes and inspect your feet daily, especially in warm climates or when you swim.

Before you travel, talk to a provider

Being prepared is the best way to manage diabetes while away from home. Our team here at Wynantskill Family Medicine can help you adjust medications, fine-tune your meal strategy, and prepare for the unexpected. 

We make sure you’re equipped to travel safely and confidently. To learn more about how our team can help you manage your diabetes at home or on the road, contact our office in Wynantskill, New York, by phone or online today to set up your visit.