Teeing Off Across Time Zones: Managing Type 1 Diabetes on the Move
Omnipod® Ambassador and Pro-Golfer, Hannah McCook, is more often travelling than at home. In this blog she talks us through what she needs to do to be prepared.
*Hannah has been paid a fee to create this content.
Pre-travel Planning
I wouldn’t have to be as organised whilst travelling if I didn’t live with type 1 diabetes. And by that, I mean having to think about planning and packing all my diabetes supplies. These include my Omnipod® 5 Controller, Dexcom [CGM], insulin, extra Pods, extra sensors, and extra insulin. Along with blood glucose test strips, a glucometer for said strips, back-up insulin pens, more insulin for these pens, glucagon injection, a ketone test machine, sweets (in case of a hypo), snacks, and just a little bit more of each of the above… just in case.
My suitcase and rucksack are half full of all these bits and pieces that go from A to B with me, but most of the time, don’t ever get used. I’d rather that though. I’d rather have spares and know I’ll be ok instead of stressing that I’ve run out of anything. Sometimes, I find myself in remote areas where I'll return home before a delivery of supplies can reach me. That's why I always ensure I have more than I need.
Airport Security
When I go through security at an airport1, I sometimes mention everything that is in my rucksack, sometimes not. More often I do explain that I have type 1 diabetes, mostly due to the wearable tech that I use. I prefer to tell the security staff that I am wearing a medical device, just so I don’t set off any alarms and end up getting interrogated. I mean, I have nothing to hide but letting them know I have medical supplies on me prevents the risk of me being searched. My supplies are all packed so perfectly in my bag, the thought of emptying it to repack whilst surrounded by fellow travellers does not fill me with joy.
I see people get anxious whilst travelling with diabetes, that’s normal. I do. I am just fortunate I do it so regularly I guess I get used to it. It doesn’t take away the apprehension of my technology not working, or my glucose levels misbehaving.
I tend to find that the travelling itself can affect my glucose levels - I notice I run a bit higher. Whether that’s the stress of security, as mentioned above, a little bit of apprehension as the plane is getting off the ground, or just the background conscious thoughts hoping that everything is going to be ok. I don’t think that feeling will ever go. I’ll just get more experienced at acknowledging it.