Packing and planning for a trip can be a cumbersome task for anybody. In addition to the right clothing, enough clothing, toiletries, shoes and prescription medications, those with diabetes type II have extra considerations to make when traveling. Diabetes does not have to slow you down. With a few tips and careful planning, you can manage your type II diabetes on any adventure you’re up to taking!

What is Type II Diabetes?

Those with type II diabetes have cells that do not respond normally to insulin. This abnormal response is called insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone produced by our pancreas, plays a key role in letting blood sugar into our bodies cells for use as energy. With type II diabetes, your pancreas produces more insulin to try to get your cells to respond. At some point your pancreas is overwhelmed and your blood sugar rises causing serious health problems. Managing insulin levels is vital for those with diabetes. There are several items that can be used to help manage diabetes. 

Daily Supplies for Type II Diabetes

• Insulin, Insulin Syringes, and Insulin Pens
• Insulin Pump (Tandem and Omnipod are common ones)
• Blood Sugar Meters, Blood Lancets, and Diabetic Test Strips
• Ketone Test Strips
• Glucose Tablets and Glucagon

Can You Travel with Type II Diabetes?

You can absolutely travel with type II diabetes. A change in diet, activity levels and environment (temperature, altitude) during travel can all affect blood glucose levels. Planning ahead for your trip is the most helpful thing you can do. Consider worst case scenarios and have back up plans in case of an emergency. Not all trips are the same. The type and amount of supplies you pack for a day trip will be different from the items you pack for a multi day trip. 

Diabetes Type II Considerations for Long Trip

If you are planning a multi day trip, pack a few extra days worth of diabetic supplies with you in case any are accidentally damaged. 

• Location: Will you be in a remote area with limited access? Check ahead to see what necessities are available to you during your planned stay. Parks, lakes, beaches and other natural or remote areas may have limited resources. Do they have park rangers, lifeguards, medical/facilities? 

• Activity: How physically demanding will the activities on your trip be? Do you plan on walking a lot? Will you be swimming or hiking? Our muscles take up more glucose with high intensity exercise. It's important to monitor your blood sugar levels and have diabetic friendly snacks ready to go. 

• Indoor/ Outdoor: Will you be indoors in a climate controlled space? What are your options for storing diabetic supplies? You may need to bring an insulated cooler for insulin. 

• Food Options: Chances are most places you are traveling to will have options to purchase food. If you are camping, hiking or going on an RV trip, you will want to plan out your daily meals and pack extra items in case they are needed. 

Diabetes Type II Considerations for Shorter Trips 

Shorter trips naturally will not require as many supplies as a long trip. The location of your day adventure will play a large role in what you need to pack. 

• Location: Will you be in a remote area with limited access? Check ahead to see what necessities are available to you during your planned stay. Parks, lakes, beaches and other natural or remote areas may have limited resources. Do they have park rangers, lifeguards, medical/facilities? Museums, conventions and other indoor facilities may be more equipped for any emergency situation.  

• Activity: How physically demanding is your day activity? Do you plan on walking alot? Will you be swimming or hiking? Our muscles take up more glucose with high intensity exercise. It's important to monitor your blood sugar levels and have diabetic friendly snacks ready to go. 

• Indoor/ Outdoor: Will you be indoors in a climate controlled space? What are your options for storing diabetic supplies? You may need to bring an insulated cooler for insulin. 

• Food Options: Will there be food available at the location that you can eat? Will it be expensive or quick to get? Even if your day trip location sells food, consider how long it may take to purchase it and if it would be easier to pack your own snacks. Conventions for example may have extra long food and beverage lines. 

Can I Fly with Diabetes Type II Supplies?

Your method of travel may also impact what you pack and how you pack your supplies. Fortunately, TSA specifically states that diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medications, including liquids, are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. Diabetic travelers should declare these items and separate them from other belongings before screening begins. 

Type II Diabetes Travel Supply Checklist

• Diabetic Friendly Snacks 
• • Trail mix & Granola 
• • Crackers
• • Peanut (or another) nut butter
• • Canned or pouches of tuna and chicken
• • Cereal/energy Bars
• • Small pieces of fresh fruit (apple or orange) & dried fruits
• • Nuts & Pumpkin seeds
• • Popcorn
• • Low-sodium/low-fat turkey jerky

• Diabetic Supply Case
• Glucose meter
• 2-3 bottles of test strips
• Finger lancets
• Alcohol swabs
• Insulin pump supplies-reservoirs and infusion sites (plus 1 additional weeks’ worth of supplies just in case)
• CGM (continuous glucose monitor) supplies
• Skin tac for infusion sites and CGM sites
• 1 week worth of syringes in case pump breaks
• 2-3 vials of short-acting insulin
• 1 vial of long-lasting insulin or prescription for it
• Frio insulin cooling pouches
• Dia-wipes- to clean fingers on the go
• Water bottle
• Scissors to trim tapes
• Band-Aids (just in case)
• Glucagon Kit
• Batteries for insulin pump

Explore fun and unique styles from our selection of Diabetes Insulated Supply Bags.

Or check out our stylish and compact selections like the Heritage Diabetes Supply Case. 

Sugar Medical carries a variety of diabetic supply accessories including Insulated Supply Cases, Diabetic Backpacks and Diabetic Purses. Sugar Medical takes pride in providing stylish diabetic bag options to help you feel confident and prepared throughout your day.