Travelling with Type 1 Diabetes, The Worry Before Was Bigger Than the Journey

By Lucie Muncaster, parent of Type 1 diabetes child

Travelling. The big “what ifs,” the “ums,” the “oh no, how is this all going to work?” For me, just thinking about travelling with Type 1 diabetes used to take my breath away. Nearly two years after our son’s diagnosis, our little T1D warrior was ready for another adventure, and so were we.

Preparing for the trip 

Let’s be honest — family holidays can be stressful enough with children. Add Type 1 diabetes, a pump or Multiple Daily Injections, CGM sensors, insulin, hypo treatments, backup supplies, medical letters and enough spare equipment to stock a small pharmacy, and it can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it seems like your suitcase is about to explode before you’ve even packed a swimsuit or a holiday hat.

Before our first trip, I did what many parents do. I researched. I read blogs. I searched Facebook groups. Then I read everything again.

Standing in the security queue at Perth Airport, sunflower lanyards around our necks, I had rehearsed exactly what I was going to say. I was nervous. I was worried. I was holding my breath.

And then something wonderful happened.

Every single person we encountered was kind.

The security staff were patient and understanding. I explained that our son wears an Omnipod® 5 and continuous glucose monitor, and that we had medical letters available if needed. The team took their time, answered our questions and guided us through the process.

Packing for travel with Type 1 Diabetes

I had packed our Omnipod 5 pods, sensors and supplies in clearly organised zip-lock bags. One large IKEA zip bag held our pods and sensors, while other bags contained spare pen needles, backup supplies and every “just in case” item I could think of. Every bag had a copy of our Endocrinologist letter & a copy of our prescriptions & our trusty T1D emblem 

As we moved through security, I could finally feel myself start to breathe again.

In fact, the manager came out to speak with me personally and spent time explaining how we could make future trips through security even smoother. That simple act of kindness and reassurance made a huge difference.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards were also incredibly helpful. My husband, son and I all wore them. At every airport, I approached the customer service or boarding desk before security or boarding and simply asked whether we could use the lanyards to access early boarding so we could get our son settled, organise diabetes supplies and avoid rushing.

Without exception, every staff member we spoke to was welcoming, supportive and understanding.

Perth Airport set the tone for the rest of our journey, but they certainly weren’t the only airport to make things easier.

We experienced the same kindness in Singapore, at the tiny airport in Koh Samui, Thailand, and again travelling between Perth and Melbourne. No matter the size of the airport, the staff consistently showed patience, understanding and a willingness to help.

What I learned while traveling with Type 1 Diabetes

As parents of a child with Type 1 diabetes, we spend so much time preparing for every possible scenario. We carry extras of everything. Then extras for the extras. We think about the things that could go wrong because that’s what keeps our child safe, our hearts warm and our mind calm. 

But if you’re sitting at home worrying about your first flight with an Omnipod 5, sensors and a backpack full of diabetes supplies, I want to offer some reassurance.

Take your medical letters.

Pack more supplies than you think you’ll need.

Ask questions.

Use a Sunflower lanyard if it helps your family.

And most importantly, remember that airport staff help travellers with medical needs every day.

The thing I worried about most ended up being one of the easiest parts of our trip.

Type 1 diabetes comes with enough challenges. Travel doesn’t have to be one of them.

The memories you make will be worth every extra pod, sensor, hypo snack and backup insulin pen packed into your suitcase.

You’ve got this, because we did!!