It’s summer time and that generally means it’s time for vacations! If you’ve never gone traveling with T1D, I’m going to tell you about our most recent experience and provide some suggestions. Like anything else with T1D, it might be daunting at first but with some careful pre-planning, you’re going to be a pro!
We’ve been on a few trips since diagnosis but this was our first one flying, which made me nervous. Because we have an Omnipod 5, it was recommended to us to never go through a metal detector and always ask to be wanded. I thought that would be tough at an airport – but I was wrong! Everyone we encountered was super nice and helpful, AND there were signs in the airport reminding patrons that if they have a medical device they can ask to be wanded to avoid the metal detector. The airport employees had me go through the detector and then my T1D walked around – because she was young, they tested my hands with a wipe (I don’t know for what) and I passed so we were on the plane! For the airport, I had extra insulin pens, supplies, and a copy of a note from our doctor’s office saying that she has T1D and needs certain items. I also made sure to have some starburst and fruit snacks in the event of a low.
And now for the fun part – the actual trip! We were at the beach so in addition to swimsuits, sunscreen, goggles and toys, we also had to keep prepared with T1D. In our experience, we like to have her wear both her Omnipod and Dexcom devices on her arms. We always have an overlay sticker on top (from https://thesugarpatch.shop/) and when we are swimming, we put athletic wrap around the devices on her arms (Amazon). We all know that sweat and sunscreen can make these devices slip off but I’ve been really impressed with the staying power the athletic wrap gives. My husband and I also wear some too so it’s not just her. But we all know that no matter what you do, these are kids who are goofing off and playing so devices can and will come off. Every time a device comes off, I call the company to get a replacement – because they guarantee that these devices will stay on so it is my right to do that. YOU SHOULD CALL EVERY TIME! I know it’s so time consuming BUT it allows you to be able to collect a small stash and that way when it comes off in the pool, you get to carefree replace it and continue enjoying your sunshine.
Heat and sun make us go high and a very simple tip that has helped us is to drink more water. It sounds so simple but hydration helps the insulin work. So we encourage all of our children to have a big glass of water before heading outside and continue to remind them throughout the day. We also love to use electrolyte packets to flavor it up and make it fun (Liquid IV Amazon). Alternatively, when heat at the beach makes us high, swimming in the pool makes us low (ugh so much to think about!). We’ve found that we like to start our day with some fruit strips or snacks (Welch’s Amazon). I keep sugary candy like Skittles or Lifesaver gummies on hand – lots of them for all the kids, whoever thought that curing lows would be such a party?! If you want a healthier alternative but still a quick sugar bump, we’ve also used dye free candies like YumEarth or Zaffy Taffy.
Typically when we’ve gone on vacations, I like to bring a lot of foods or grocery shop when I arrive – things like sandwiches, fruit, veggies, single serving chips or cheese balls, nuts, raisins, protein bars, peanut butter, cookies. We also like to go out and try local restaurants – especially ice cream ones 🙂 – and while I will always stress about highs and lows, we do our best to dose appropriately and accept that part of being a kid is eating a giant ice cream cone on your beach vacation.
Those are my thoughts. Every first is scary but you’re gonna do great! Don’t forget to check out my cookbook, T1D Type A Mom Takes On the Holidays. You can purchase it at Publishing Concepts, LLC.
T1D Type A Mom 