Ryan Hooey is a person living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and a passionate advocate for accessibility. Diagnosed more than 30 years ago, Ryan’s experience with T1D has taught him the importance of ensuring equitable access to medication, technology and care. As a person with diabetic retinopathy, a degenerative eye condition experienced by many people with diabetes, Ryan is the handler of a CNIB-certified guide dog, Joe, and a Patient Partner with Diabetes Action Canada’s (DAC’s) Diabetic Retinopathy Screening program.

Ryan’s Call to Action: For travellers with diabetes to always consult with their diabetes management team/endocrinologist before boarding an airplane to ensure a safe trip.

Travelling internationally can be daunting even at the best of times, but when you toss in living with diabetes, this notion gets brought to a whole new extreme.

In this reflection, I hope to give you some things to consider, as well as some useful tips and tricks that you can use in a pinch – from packing up to boarding that return flight home.

It is no secret that something as simple as forgetting your favourite pair of sunglasses or your shirt can start the trip off wrong. But what about not packing enough insulin supplies or low blood sugar treats? 

When you start packing, keep these essentials in mind; they’ll help ensure a smooth start to your trip, especially for anyone living with diabetes who is travelling abroad.

1. Bring double what you anticipate you will need for insulin supplies, insulin pump supplies and CGM. Keep this bag with you at all times as your carry-on.
2. Even bring “old trusty” your glucometer in case it is needed for extreme emergencies.
3. Get your endocrinologist to write a letter stating the need to travel with your medications because you are someone living with diabetes.
4. I know we have all gotten our juice boxes taken away at security for attempting to go through with more than the maximum liquid amounts. Always pack the box of full sugar sport drink powder pouch mixes so that you always have something handy. Just mix with water, and your blood sugar will rise as high as you are on the airplane.
5. Finally, for your initial packing list, do not forget the diabetic compression socks available online or at any pharmacy in North America to keep you comfortable on your flight.

Now let’s talk about being on the airplane. 

Do not take your insulin until you have your food in front of you. I have been someone who has done my insulin too early on the airplane, anticipating the arrival of food, and I ultimately dropped my blood sugar too low.

Another thing to consider is time zone changes, depending on your destination. One thing I have learned over the years of travel is that travelling West means being prepared for a longer day, and travelling. Be prepared for a shorter day if travelling East.

Speak to your Endocrinologist and diabetes care team regarding the best approach for adjusting insulin or your insulin pump settings.

A good idea is to always wear a Medical Alert necklace or bracelet that indicates that you are someone living with diabetes and any other health conditions. 

In the past, I have also used Google to learn a few helpful phrases that are key when having a diabetes emergency, such as “ I have diabetes,” or “My sugar is low,” or “I need a sugary drink”. 

It is also important to purchase travel insurance in case any emergencies arise.

Here’s a great tip I learned when staying in hotels: your best friend is the in-suite coffee station. Where there is coffee, there are usually sugar packets nearby that can be used to treat low blood sugars, even in the middle of the night. This became a great option during my time in India during the Ending Diabetes Stigma Conference and Europe, when no other glucose or sugar was available.

Another thing that can make adjusting to travel difficult for someone travelling with diabetes is jet lag and being awake at times when your body is used to sleeping. 

When you’re tired, especially while travelling, it can be harder to notice the early signs of high or low blood sugar. That’s why it’s important to check your levels regularly, even if you don’t feel “off,” to help catch changes early and stay in range.

I also bring a non-internet-connected watch when I travel so it stays in my home time zone. This helps me keep track of how my body typically responds at certain times of day and can make it easier to anticipate patterns in blood sugar changes during the first few days after a time zone shift, before my body adjusts. Another simple option is to use your phone and ask, “What time is it back home?” to stay oriented to your usual routine.

The last important thing to remember is that when you’re out adventuring or sightseeing, always carry something to treat low blood sugar, and then bring a second option as a backup. Having multiple snack or fast-acting glucose choices ensures you’re prepared if one runs out, gets lost, or isn’t enough when you need it.

Wherever you choose to travel to have fun, always consult with your diabetes management team before boarding that airplane. I wish you happy trails and happy blood sugars.

Bon Voyage!