Common Questions

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3. I'm going to be traveling overseas and need to know what diabetes supplies and insulin pump supplies to bring and what else I need to be aware of?

The most important thing is to pack enough diabetes supplies and insulin pump supplies for the duration of your trip and then DOUBLE it. This will allow you some flexibility if plans happen to change.

A letter from your doctor describing the insulin pump and related diabetes supplies can help you get through security and Customs more easily. Prescription medications, such as insulin, need to be carried in the original box labeled from the pharmacy.

Carry with you at all times an "emergency kit" consisting of a meter and test strips, insulin pump supplies for 2-3 cartridge and infusion set changes, extra insulin (including long-acting insulin), ketone test strips, medical ID, a back-up insulin delivery system (like an insulin pen or syringe) and fast-acting sugar (glucose tablets) for treatment of low blood glucose.These items should be in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage.

It is also helpful to have a written copy of your insulin pump basal profiles, insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios and your high blood glucose and/or ketone boluses, and a list of other medications you use. If you are traveling with a companion, you may want to carry a non-expired Glucagon Emergency kit.

Once the insulin pump and diabetes supplies are packed, the rest is easy! Time changes are as simple as changing the time on your pump (and your PDA, if you're using the ACCU-CHEK^® Pocket Compass software with bolus calculator.) Beyond packing and carrying diabetes supplies, living with an insulin pump on a long trip isn't much different than staying at home, unless you cross a time zone. Time zone changes are easy with an insulin pump because you can precisely control the amount of insulin you use and the time when you use it. Many insulin pump wearers find that if the time change is less than 4 hours, changing the insulin pump clock at your destination works best. If you fly over several time zones, you may need to change your insulin pump clock several times during the trip for a smoother transition.

When traveling, it is extremely important to be aware of your blood glucose levels. An extra blood glucose test may make the difference between a good trip and a loss of BG control. Count carbohydrates for a bolus as you usually do at home. Don't be afraid to try new foods - that's part of the excitement of traveling! Just make the best estimate and then check your blood sugar in a couple of hours. Be aware of your exercise and activity plans for the next few hours, and make the adjustment. Use the formula determined by your healthcare team to treat high blood glucose levels and use a temporary basal rate, as needed.

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