1. The Peripatetic Diabetic Have Diabetes, Will Travel
Mary Alice Volkert
Registered & Licensed Dietitian
Certified Diabetes Educator

2. Mary Alice Volkert, RD, LD, CDE Nutrition and Diabetes Education
6565 West Loop South, Suite 510 Bellaire, Texas (713) , Fax (713)

3. Plan and Prepare for Any Predicament
Meet with your MD:
Get paper prescriptions (including generic names) for meds and pump supplies. Bring on your trip.
Get sample pens, vials or prescriptions for (long term) Lantus (Glargine) and your rapid acting insulin.
Have MD and CDE contact information on your cell phone.

4. Prepare for Pump Failure
Meet with your CDE:
Download and Print all your Pump Settings.
Know how to translate pump settings to injection settings.
e.g. Total Daily Basal Rate +20% = Lantus dose 1x/day.
Know how to figure your Correction Factor (Insulin Sensitivity) for High and Low BG levels.
e.g. 1 unit Rapid Acting to reduce an elevated BG by 50 mg/dl.
Know how to adjust your Insulin/Med doses for Time Zone changes.
Going East, shorter day, going west, longer day

5. Also be Sure to Bring:
A back-up Pump (if you have one) and its Supplies
Extra Batteries and Connecting Cables
Outlet Adapters for foreign countries
A Gel Cooler for your Insulin and Diabetes Supplies, like the Frio Cooler .com
Medic Alert Emergency ID
Hypoglycemia Supplies: Glucose Gel, Tablets or “Shots”, or a Glucagon Injector kit
A well-trained Companion, if possible!

6. One — If by Land (Driving)
Keep a Cooler in the car for your snacks and small meals:
Unfrosted Snack Bars (KIND, Extend, Kashi), Greek Yogurt, String or Babybel Cheese, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Nuts.
Carry plenty of Water.
Stop every couple of hours to Stretch your legs, have a Snack or Meal.
Check your BG frequently.
Check your GPS to find healthier restaurants on the road and at your destination.

7. Two — If by Sea (Cruise)
Decide how you will handle Food before you go (desserts, alcohol, etc.).
Introduce yourself to the ship’s Physician once onboard.
Bring 1-2 Snacks with you for each day you are gone.
Use the Dining Room rather than the Buffet, and choose foods as if you were paying for each item.
Allow for one or two “Blow-Out” meals, but keep up with the Carbs consumed.
Stay Active onboard.

8. Three — Or if on the Opposite Shore you might be (International)
CHECK YOUR PASSPORT!!!
Expiration Date
Requirements of Destination
Consider Trusted Traveler programs for expedited security screening:
Global Entry (
Transportation Security Administration’s TSA PreCheck (

9. Airlines
Tell the official that you have a pump to get hand screened before going through Security.
Take twice the Insulin and Pump Supplies you might need and carry them in two different bags (e.g., purse and carry on).
Prepare for Delays by bringing allowed Foods for Snacks.

10. Don’t let Diabetes detour your travel plans. Enjoy your destination!