Travel should be fun and having a child with type 1 diabetes shouldn't stop the family from travelling. However, you need to plan in advance and be prepared.

Travel tips

• Pack more test strips, insulin, syringes, pens and other diabetes equipment than you will need for the trip. If possible pack a spare meter in case of loss or damage.
• Take clearly written details of emergency contacts plus your National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) card.
• Customs regulations vary from country to country so it’s advisable to contact the embassy of the country you’re visiting before travelling.
• Carry some form of easily absorbed carbohydrate such as juice or jelly beans in case of a hypo and extra carbohydrate for follow up treatment.
• If flying, keep insulin, syringes/pens and testing equipment divided between two pieces of hand luggage. Don't place insulin in your regular luggage in the hold as it's not temperature controlled and may be damaged or lost (Click here for storage of insulin).
• Your child should wear some form of identification that says they have diabetes
• Take a small approved sharps container for used lancets and syringes. Some airlines, hotels and airports offer a sharps disposal service.
• The excitement of a trip or changes in routine may affect your child's blood glucose levels (BGLs), so you may need to check their BGLs more often.
• Carry a small first aid kit with you in case of minor illness or injury.

Travelling overseas

If you're planning a trip overseas, you may need to think about vaccinations, allowing for different foods, changes in time zones and extreme climates, as well as being prepared for mishaps such as delays and misplaced baggage. Planning your trip is important. Before you leave consider the following:

Airline Security Regulations

Make arrangements in advance so that you comply with Australian air regulations for people with diabetes, these are:
• All diabetes supplies must be carried in your hand luggage.
• Your child's name must appear on all insulin and glucagon script labels.
• Carry scripts for all medications and make sure that they can be easily read.
• Each script must include your child's name, the name and type of insulin and your diabetes doctor's contact details.
• Carry several copies of a typed, signed letter outlining from your diabetes doctor outlining your child's diabetes management plan, medications and the devices your child uses to give their insulin and test their BGL.
• If you're not travelling with an Australian carrier, be sure to check with the airline in advance for specific security guidelines.

Travel arrangements

• Try to arrange for arrival and departure at times of the day that suit your child's routine and allow plenty of time for your travel connections.
• When booking your flights you may choose to tell the airline that your child has diabetes. This will be passed on to the cabin crew who may be able to assist in meeting your child's needs.
• Many "diabetic meals" served in flight are too low in carbohydrate and not designed with children in mind. When booking, ask about menu options and make choices you know your child will eat.
• Discuss your travel plans with your diabetes doctor or educator and the letters you will need to comply with airline regulations. Also discuss insulin adjustments, glucagon and other medications for diarrhoea and/or nausea.
• Prepare an emergency kit for sick day management (Sick day management) discuss this with your diabetes doctor or educator.
• Ask your doctor for details of diabetes service in the country that you are visiting.
• Information re. vaccinations can be obtained from your doctor. Useful websites are www.dfat.gov.au and www.health.gov.au It's important to organise this well ahead of time.

Changing time zones

If your planned trip involves crossing different time zones, discuss this with your doctor well before the departure date who can advise you on any changes to your individual insulin routine. Usually no adjustment is required travelling north or south because of little difference in time. When travelling east, the day may be shorter, the time between injections reduced and less insulin may be needed. When travelling west, the day may be longer and extra insulin may be required. It may be helpful to carry two watches one on local time of country of departure and one on time of country of destination. It may be easier to keep to usual insulin routines while travelling, then adjusting on arrival. In this case it's important to have your own supply of food, rather than relying on airline meal times.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended, make sure it covers type 1 diabetes. The Australian government has arrangements with some countries providing benefits similar to Medicare if needed. Remember to take your Medicare card with you.

For more information, call the Health Insurance Commission on 132011 or visit their website www.hic.gov.au

During the flight

• Don't give your child their insulin injection until the meal is served in case of delay and carry extra food such as dried fruit, muesli bars, biscuits, fruit snack packs or juice.
• Ensure that hypo foods are readily available.
• Ensure that your child drinks plenty of water.

At your destination

• Differences in activity, routines, food and excitement may require some adjustments to your child's insulin. Discuss how to manage possible changes in routine with your diabetes team before you leave.
• Differences in types of food available may also affect your child's diabetes management and require some adjustments.
• Take care with food and drink choices, particularly in developing countries where food hygiene may not be optimal.

Click here to download a Travel Checklist