Correctly storing insulin while traveling

As a person with Type 1 Diabetes, traveling involves more than just packing clothes and shoes. The real stressors are ensuring you have all your medical supplies, wondering if your insulin will stay cold during transit, and deciding whether to carry it in your carry-on or checked luggage. These concerns can be overwhelming, making you wish for a foolproof solution!

Recently, I was traveling for over 6+ weeks to different locations and my main worry was whether my insulin would get spoilt in that time. Previously, my travels were  usually under two weeks, and my doctor advised that if insulin remains at slightly elevated temperatures for extended periods, it should just be used within a month. While this rule has served me well, this extended trip required a more detailed approach. I made a list of strategies that proved effective, and here's what I learned:

Ideal storage conditions: Insulin should ideally be stored at 2 - 8° C, the temperature range found in the refrigerator door. Before you travel, ensure your accommodation has a refrigerator. If

not, many hotels will allow you to store your insulin in their kitchen refrigerator. With this sorted, let's address how to manage insulin during transit.

Long flights: When flying, it's crucial to keep insulin in your cabin luggage. The cargo hold of an aircraft is not temperature-controlled, and temperatures can drop below freezing. Once on board, request the flight staff to store your insulin in the aircraft's refrigerator. They are usually very accommodating about this request. If

your journey includes layovers with multiple flights, try to access airport lounges.

Lounge staff can store your insulin in a refrigerator and refreeze your ice packs, helping to keep your insulin cool throughout your trip.

Bus/ car/ train journeys: Refrigeration isn't available on buses, cars, or trains, so you'll need to use ice packs to keep your insulin cool. Store the ice packs and insulin in a well-insulated container. Options like Frio cooling packs or insulated cases available online work well for long travels. For frequent car journeys, consider investing in a small portable refrigerator. Products specifically designed for insulin storage are also available, though space considerations will dictate if this is feasible for you.

Contingency plans: Despite all precautions, sometimes things don't go as planned. To minimize risks, I always carry extra insulin refills. If all this still fails, it's good to know where to purchase insulin at your destination. Additionally, always carry a doctor's prescription with you. This will help with obtaining insulin if required and ensure a smoother trip overall.

And that pretty much sums up all the possibilities. By following these guidelines, you can travel with greater peace of mind and avoid unexpected issues. If you're ever unsure of what to do or have any further questions, it's always nice to

hear from fellow people with Diabetes about what they do! You can join the Facebook group of Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation Diabetes Support Network India. Please feel free to read through the posts and ask any questions you may have there! Stay connected, stay healthy!

Indrayani has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for the last 17 years. She volunteers at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation and organizes meetups in Bangalore.