Travelling with your CGM solution

Travelling is a wonderful way to escape routine, explore new cultures, or just relax. However, if you have diabetes, planning is essential to ensure a smooth trip. Changes in routine, diet, exercise, and time zones can cause blood glucose fluctuations. This article provides tips on preparing for a trip and using your CGM solution while travelling.

Whether you are using a CGM solution or not, it is always a good idea to consult your diabetes team before your trip. You can create a detailed travelling with diabetes checklist that includes all essential diabetes supplies: insulin, CGM sensors, backup batteries, medical letters, snacks, and charging cables. This not only ensures peace of mind but also helps speed things up at airport security.

Some things to keep in mind are:

• Vaccinations: Verify that you have all the required vaccinations.
   
• Medications: Ask for prescriptions for insulin, tablets, test strips, CGM sensors, glucagon, and any other products you may need. Make sure you ask for this in time, since healthcare professionals may be busy and you do not want to risk delays.
   
• Medical ID: Carry a medical identification indicating you have diabetes.
   
• Insurance: Ensure your policy covers diabetic emergencies abroad.
   
• Packing list:  Make a list to track everything you need.
   
• Time zones: Consult your team about adjusting insulin timing for travel across time zones.²
   
• Travel documentation: Obtain a certificate stating your need for medication and medical aids.
   

Insulin pump users should consider the following:

• Replacement pump: Check if you can get a replacement pump at your destination or if you need to order one in advance.
   
• Backup plan: Bring basal insulin, pens/syringes, and an alternative treatment plan.

Travelling starts with the trip. Your preparation will depend on the way you travel. We have listed a few important tips if you travel by aeroplane or by car. It is important  to monitor your glucose closely, given the challenges when travelling long distances.¹

At the airport and on the aeroplane:

• Carry-on luggage: Keep CGM sensors and insulin in your carry-on luggage to maintain the recommended temperature range (2-27°C).
   
• Full-body scanners: The Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor can pass through scanners; spare sensors can go through X-ray scanners.
   
• Bluetooth®: After enabling Airplane Mode on your phone, make sure to reactivate Bluetooth® to allow the mySugr app to function properly.
   
• Time zones: The mySugr app will update your CGM values to local time, preventing data overlap. Make sure to discuss changing time zones and the effect on your diabetes management with a healthcare professional.
   

Long car journeys:

• Check glucose levels: Ensure safe glucose levels before driving and keep fast-acting carbs within reach. Use the Low Glucose Predict feature for alerts.
   
• Driving regulations: Check local rules for driving with diabetes.
   
• Avoid heat damage: Carry medication and sensors in a cool bag, since temperature changes may influence the quality of the insulin.
   
• Stay energised: Bring a charging cable, drinks, healthy snacks, and some fast-absorbing carbohydrates.
   
• Stay active: Take breaks to stretch and move around.

Once you arrive at your destination, there are specific things to keep in mind, regarding temperature, time difference, but also for activities you may participate in.

• Time zones: Make sure you follow the plan you created with your diabetes care team regarding travelling through time zones. 
   
• Hot weather: High temperatures can cause insulin to act faster, increasing hypoglycaemia risk. Stay hydrated to avoid hyperglycaemia.
   
• Mountaineering: The Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor works up to 3,000 meters in altitude. Check the specifications of other devices you use.
   

Water activities:

• Swimming: The Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor is water-resistant up to 1 meter for 60 minutes. Read the article about swimming with your CGM sensor to get more detailed information. 
   
• Smartphone safety: Use waterproof cases to keep your smartphone nearby.
   
• Sensor storage: Store spare sensors in temperatures between 2-27°C and keep insulin below 30°C.
   

Managing meals and alcohol:

• Unknown foods: You may want to try food that you are not used to and experience difficulties estimating your insulin doses. Use CGM alarms to monitor your glucose after these meals.
   
• Alcohol consumption: Increase your target range and eat additional carbs before sleeping.

It is important to be aware of the different environments you are in, so prepare well for your holiday. 

Enjoy your trip!!

This content is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely – you must obtain professional or specialist advice from your healthcare professional before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content. Although we make reasonable efforts to ensure that the content is up to date, Roche makes no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content is accurate, complete, up-to-date or that it should be relied upon.