Travelling with Diabetes | What’s in My Bag...

What to pack with type 1 diabetes for an extended weekend or a long trip abroad. I share my tips on how to travel light and safe as a diabetic.
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1:06 Insulin and other medication
1:59 CGM sensors and how many to pack
3:10 Glucometer and test strips
3:39 Other diabetes supplies
5:00 Complemetary supplies when travelling with diabetes and a doctor letter
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I regularly release videos covering diabetes topics. Let me know if you have any questions or topics you would like me to cover. I really appreciate your input!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and my videos are not medical advice. My videos reflect my personal experience. What works for me might not work for others. Please consult your medical professional regarding your diabetes treatment. I am not affiliated with Abbott, Dexcom, or Tandem. I just use and love their products. Links in the video description might include affiliate links (I will receive a small provision if you use these links for your purchase).
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[@TypeOneTalks]

15% discount on MYABETIC bags and cases designed for diabetics (code: TYPEONETALKS) www.myabetic.com/?rfsn=5323042.de46220 10% discount on SKINGRIP patches for your CGM sensors (code: TYPEONETALKS) theskingrip.com?ref:typeonetalks

[@jimrakit598]

I preload 3 insulin reservoirs, makes changing as needed much easier. I also zip lock bag a lot of my supplies.

[@thomasdc2439]

I keep it very simple. I take one FreeStyle Libre sensor more than I would normally need. I calculate how much Insulin and needles I need and add just a few days as a buffer. And I have a small backup glucometer with only a few test stripes. And of course some fast glucose. I travel a lot and never had any problems. And usually I'm not in the jungle. So, even if really something goes wrong, I can always go to a hospital or to a pharmacy to buy some stuff. Oh, and I never had any problems on the airport. Yes, the body scanner always shows a warning and then I show my sensor and everything is ok. EDIT: oh, btw, I travel always carry on! I wouldn't check in my supplies.

[@rickarnold2336]

I travel a lot and I have had a lot of things happen over the years. I always carry a spare glucometer with extra test strips. Once I opened a new vial and all the stips were defective, so now I carry 2 extra vials from different batches (and test one strip from each vial before leaving). I took twice the number of Libre FreeStyle 2 sensors (4) on a recent month-long trip. I had three defective sensors so I spent the last 5-6 days of the trip without a working CGM. I was in Gran Canaria and could not find one there and I transited through Madrid on the way back to Atlanta-I might have found one there. I was surprised that you don't pack a easy source of carbs, such as a granola bar, for when you are running low (but not an emergency). I take both protein bars and granola bars because when you travel meals can be missed or delayed. I also take mint sugar candies (5g sugar/mint) with me as they transport well.

[@SteelheadJEDi]

I just flew on a plane and I opted out of the security scanner for a pat down because I think I heard somewhere that I shouldn't go through the scanner with the dexcom. Is there any truth to this? It is so much quicker to go through the scanner just don't want to mess up my transmitter. Thanks for the great videos!

[@dwightl5863]

What you heard is true. Truly is a hassle but is just one more thing diabetics need to contend with. I haven't been traveling since I got my Tandem pump but here is what Tandem says in part: However, your Tandem insulin pump should NOT be put through machines that use X-rays, including airline luggage X-ray machines and full-body scanners. We recommend disconnecting at the infusion site and asking the security agent for an alternative screening method. If you prefer to stay connected, you can notify the agent about your pump and request to go through a standard metal detector wearing your pump. FYI

[@TypeOneTalks]

That's actually a great topic area for one of the next videos! Thanks a lot! I know that most insulin pump and CGM manufacturers recommend for their devices not to go through x-ray and full body scanners. Hope this helps!

[@VAMobMember]

Insulin pump (Tandem t:slim-x2) supplies for 1.5 times the trip DexCom G6 sensors for trip plus one extra Insulin. For EDC I only carry two sets of pump supplies, no insulin and no DexCom supplies. As I’m only gone from home for a few hours.

[@TypeOneTalks]

Thank you so much for sharing your approach. Have a great day!

[@ajayaj5834]

Great video thanks❤️

[@TypeOneTalks]

You’re welcome! Thanks a lot for watching!

[@danbev8542]

I use insulin pens & carry them in FRIO packs. No need for a refrigerator at all. Just check them & re-soak after 3-4 days of traveling. My #*% American insurance only allows me 30 days of CGM sensors at a time, so I cannot apply one early before a trip. (I wonder what they think I’m going to do if I get a 90 day supply? Gosh!) I lost a week’s worth of sensors because I was out of town when my 30 days were up. My Dexcom sensor applicator is a huge chunk of plastic & a bulky pain to carry around. Still searching for the ideal bag to carry a FRIO pack of insulin pens, 1-2 Dexcom sensors, meter, pricker, & test strips, needles, trash container. Sigh. Sooo tired of dealing with this disease!

[@davidneil8170]

I tried to buy one of the sling bags and they’re sold out ☹️

[@khlewis]

I carry sugar tabs or some snack bars ( which arent as good, but a decent substitute in a pinch).

[@TypeOneTalks]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Have a great day!

[@irishcountrygirl78]

Spare pump? They are almost €4000 to buy, my son has one and one only 😂😂😂.

[@judyj9517]

Genius. I never thought about wearing my next sensor on my arm already. Definitely must do for the next travel. How many extra insulin pumps do you have lying around? 😊

[@anthonygrodecki7968]

Yes I over pack also I have been asked for doctors letters in a few countries. But one peace of advice is to have a contract for local diabetic organization as they will know were to get supplies if like me things get stolen of damaged in that country.

[@TypeOneTalks]

Agreed! That's a great point! Thanks for your comment! Stay safe!

[@kevinjohnston8100]

I'm the guy in the hoodie. Always bring way to much. The bag looks cool.

[@TypeOneTalks]

Haha. I think you are not alone! Stay safe my friend!

[@darlenericotta7550]

Thank you for your videos! Happy New Year!

[@tonytoo9999]

Good. I’d also recommend a Frio bag for storing insulin - no need for a fridge.

[@TypeOneTalks]

Absolutely. I heard Frio bags are really good!

[@faletagaloa163]

Thanks for the video. My 4yr old daughter was just diagnosed with type 1 a couple days ago. I just ordered bag with your code. Thanks.

[@pavelp7690]

Thank you Tom for yours video is very interesting. Sometimes travel packing can be very stressful definitely when you are in a hurry😎

[@TypeOneTalks]

Very true! I prefer to plan ahead of time to avoid the last minute stress. Thanks for watching!

[@GlimpseOfGaming]

What kind of glucometer is that?

[@mr.k905]

I am being asked for the letter from my doctor constantly when flying. Always trouble when I forget it. They won’t let you take a Coke on board without it for example.

[@jawlig]

yeah, they're pretty strict on liquids being taken on the flight so will likely want to see the proof in that instance. Perhaps consider alternative hypo treatments when travelling like glucose tablets? Would avoid the hassle altogether.

[@patrickbasdevant2114]

Tom: interesting facts as always. I will send you some other traveling tips in a few hours. Thank's and keep safe.

[@TypeOneTalks]

Please do!

[@Dan23_7]

I have nights away with work, when I’m away I take everything I have at home, I actually have 2 Lantus pens so one is at home and the other is in my wash bag so I never forget it. I’m only away 1 night at a time so I go with the sensor what’s on my arm (unless ready to change) and I take my Accucheck gluco meter (cassette type with finger prick) I keep my bolus pen in this pouch with this tester. I take about 10 needles for injecting (glucoRX 4mm)

[@jenniferdelacruz6141]

Glucagon emergency kit

[@TypeOneTalks]

Agreed! Thanks for your comment! Stay safe!

[@bvanbart]

I am already looking forward to this one! Let’s see if I am always overpacking 😜

[@TypeOneTalks]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@o.susanamendessoares6016]

Thank you! Your video is exactly what I needed for my kid...🤗

[@TypeOneTalks]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@ElenaAroura]

I’m not diabetic but I do have to carry EpiPen‘s because I’m severely allergic to shellfish the smell will kill me so I have to travel with EpiPen‘s and inhaler

[@SuperMysavior]

Hi,I have question. Do you know if it ok to wear freestyle libre sensor through airport scanners? I ve been told that ,it can damage sensor. I just so frustrated, I suppose to fly in week and I don't want to remove my sensor because I don't have spare one

[@jawlig]

Sensors can go through scanners just fine, it's the pump that is advised to remove before going through any kind of scanner/xray

[@shaft8779]

😊

[@hannahmartin770]

I am on insulin pens and use a meter. When I travel more than two days I pack my supplies in an egal creek packing cube. Then I pack everyday supplies in my normal Vera Bradley miniature backpack.

[@TypeOneTalks]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Have a great day!

[@theresamelvin60]

Just come back from Abroad same here Tom always carry a letter with me but they NEVER ask for it

[@jawlig]

Same. But I carry it anyway along with my backup booking confirmation printouts for my flights

[@AlbertoHernandezD]

Ketones stripes 😉

[@TypeOneTalks]

Agreed! Thanks for your comment! Stay safe!

[@bvanbart]

I always bring Dextro energy and a yellow card that makes sure people know that I am diabetic. This way if people find me KO after a Hypo they know what is going on!

[@TypeOneTalks]

Thank you so much for sharing your approach Bart. Have a great day!