The Complete Type 1 Diabetes Travel Checklist: Everything I Pack Before I Leave Home

Traveling with Type 1 diabetes takes a little more planning than throwing a few outfits into a suitcase and heading out the door.

But here’s the good news…

It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

After living with Type 1 diabetes for more than 20 years, I’ve learned that a little preparation goes a long way. Whether I’m heading out for a weekend road trip, flying across the country for a marathon, or spending a week at the beach, my packing routine is almost always the same.

This is exactly what I pack before every trip.

My Rule: Pack More Than You Think You’ll Need

If I need three infusion sets…

I’m packing six.

If I think one vial of insulin is enough…

I’m bringing two.

If I think one CGM sensor will get me through the trip…

I’m packing at least one extra.

Travel delays happen.

Sensors fail.

Pump sites get ripped out.

Luggage gets lost.

I’d much rather come home with extra supplies than wish I had packed more.

My Type 1 Diabetes Packing Checklist

Insulin

• Rapid-acting insulin
• Long-acting insulin (my backup in case my pump fails)
• Extra insulin pens (if applicable)
• Backup syringes or pen needles
• Prescription labels (optional, but helpful)

Pro Tip: Always keep your insulin in your carry-on. Never pack it in checked luggage.

Insulin Pump Supplies

If you wear an insulin pump like I do, don’t forget:

• Extra infusion sets
• Extra reservoirs/cartridges
• Inserter (if your system uses one)
• Extra adhesive patches or overpatches
• Pump charger or batteries
• Pump cap or plug (if your system uses one)

I’ve had pump sites fail on vacation.

Trust me—you’ll be glad you packed extras.

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Supplies

Bring more sensors than you think you’ll need.

I also pack:

• Extra CGM sensors
• Sensor applicators
• Charger (if needed)
• Overpatches
• Adhesive remover wipes
• Skin prep wipes or Skin Tac (if you use it)

Heat, humidity, swimming, and sweat can all be tough on adhesives.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Even though I wear a CGM, I never travel without a backup meter.

I always pack:

• Blood glucose meter
• Test strips
• Lancets
• Ketone strips

Technology is amazing…

But it still needs a backup.

Low Blood Sugar Supplies

These never leave my carry-on.

I always bring:

• Nerds Gummy Clusters
• Fruit snacks
• Glucose tablets
• Clif Shot Bloks
• Juice boxes (for road trips)
• Other favorite low snacks

The best low treatment is the one you’ll actually eat.

Emergency Supplies

I also make sure I have:

• Glucagon (check the expiration date before you leave)
• Medical ID
• Insurance card
• Pharmacy information
• A list of my medications

Taking a picture of your prescription labels before you travel is another great backup.

Chargers & Electronics

My phone has become a huge part of my diabetes management.

A dead battery isn’t just annoying—it can mean losing access to my CGM.

I always pack:

• Pump charger
• CGM receiver charger (if needed)
• Phone charger
• Charging cables
• Portable battery pack

Extras I Never Forget

These aren’t diabetes supplies, but they’ve earned a permanent place on my packing list.

• Water bottle
• Electrolyte packets
• Alcohol prep pads
• Hand sanitizer
• Zip-top bags
• Small cooling pouch or insulated insulin case (especially for hot-weather trips)

If I’m Going Somewhere Hot (Like Florida)

Heat changes everything.

When I’m traveling somewhere warm, I pay extra attention to:

• Keeping insulin out of direct sunlight
• Staying hydrated
• Bringing extra overpatches for my CGM and pump
• Packing more low snacks than I think I’ll need
• Carrying water with me whenever possible

Heat can affect both blood sugars and how well adhesives stay put.

Planning ahead makes a huge difference.

Everything Stays in My Carry-On

If I’m flying, every single diabetes supply stays with me.

Not in checked luggage.

Not in someone else’s suitcase.

Mine.

If my luggage gets lost, I can replace clothes.

Replacing insulin, pump supplies, or a CGM sensor while you’re hundreds of miles from home is a much bigger headache.

The One Thing I Never Pack…

Panic.

Have I forgotten something before?

Yep.

Have I had pump sites fail on vacation?

Absolutely.

Have I had blood sugars that made absolutely no sense while traveling?

More than once.

And every single time…

I’ve figured it out.

Traveling with Type 1 diabetes requires planning, but it doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling.

I’ve taken diabetes with me on beach vacations, road trips, flights, marathons, and family vacations.

It has never stopped me from making memories.

My Biggest Travel Tip

Pack your diabetes supplies first.

Pack your clothes second.

It’s easy to replace a forgotten T-shirt.

Replacing insulin or pump supplies isn’t nearly as simple.

A little extra planning before your trip gives you something priceless once you arrive:

The freedom to enjoy your vacation.

My Quick Type 1 Diabetes Travel Checklist

Before I zip up my suitcase, I make sure I have:

☐ Rapid-acting insulin (plus extra)

☐ Long-acting insulin (backup)

☐ Backup syringes or pen needles

☐ Pump supplies

☐ CGM supplies

☐ Blood glucose meter

☐ Test strips

☐ Lancets

☐ Ketone strips

☐ Low blood sugar snacks

☐ Glucagon

☐ Alcohol prep pads

☐ Chargers & portable battery pack

☐ Prescriptions & insurance card

☐ Medical ID

☐ Water bottle

☐ Electrolyte packets

☐ Cooling pouch (if traveling somewhere hot)

☐ Everything packed in my carry-on

Once those boxes are checked…

I’m ready to enjoy the trip.