There are so many things to do and plan when you take a vacation and have a child with Type 1 Diabetes! We are already making sure that all children have their favorite bedtime snacks like popcorn. Then we try to pack some basic medications and essential oils to make our trip run smoother. Then you have to pack for the child with Type 1 Diabetes.
What do you pack for Type 1 Diabetes?
It really depends on how long you are going away and how remote your location is. We have a pretty good rule of thumb that we try to abide by when we do our vacation planning. Eldest is also NOT on an insulin pump at this time so our list of supplies might look different if he was using a pump!
Test Strips- 8 per day
Insulin- average used x 1.25 x # of days
Pen Needles– 6 per day
Syringes- handful in case insulin pen plunger goes bad or run low on insulin
Ketostix– 1 bottle
Levamir- units given +1 x # of days
Blood Glucose Meters– 2 plus batteries
CGM- Cord, extra sensor per 5 days
Zophran- whatever we have or 2 pills per 3 or 4 days
CGM Supplies- Skintac wipes and IV Prep x 2 per 5 days, waterproof band-aids, sport wrap, etc.
Juice Boxes or Fruit Snacks- 3 per day plus Protein bars
Measuring Cups and Spoons– if staying in a hotel to help estimate carbs a bit better
Plenty of low-carb and no-carb snacks like meat sticks, cheese sticks, and fresh fruit or fruit cups
How do you pack for Type 1 Diabetes?
I try to bag extra items in plastic bags to prevent them from being damaged from liquids. We also pack the Uline ice packs that we receive from insulin orders each month in coolers and cooler bags to keep insulin cold. Once we arrive at our destination we put ice packs in the freezer to keep insulin cool in the hot Summer weather.
Our T1D journey began on a cold December day with Eldest being diagnosed 12/13/14 and being in DKA! We have had many ups and downs through our journey with a T1D entering puberty and hormones and insulin colliding. Join us as we share tips to cope with T1D through our monthly newsletter.
Want to stay updated when NEW Type 1 Diabetes posts go live? Join our T1D newsletter!
I will add more pictures and details as the month goes on and I think of more details worth sharing. But for now here are some more posts that should help YOU in your Type 1 Diabetes journey!
Type 1 Diabetes Facebook Support Groups
Type 1 Diabetes Rescue Boxes for Back to School
Type 1 Diabetes Supply Bags under $20
6 to 1 Insulin Ratio, Puberty and Type 1 Diabetes
How a Juice Box Saved my Type 1 Diabetic Son’s Life
Disclosure Statement
The information on Something 2 Offer is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be substituted for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. If you rely upon any programs or techniques, or use any of the products and services made available by or through the use of our website for decision making, without obtaining the advice of a physician or other health care professional, you do so at your own risk. The nutritional and other information on our website is not intended to be, and does not constitute health care or medical advice.
The views expressed on Something 2 Offer have not been reviewed or endorsed by the FDA or any other private or public entity. is an independent, privately run business separate from any other organization. Affiliate links are used within this post to provide monetary support for our blog.
This is a real concern that I am sure most people don’t realize when dealing with Type 1 diabetes. Thank you for your insight and sharing your experience! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!