Last Updated on August 28, 2026 by Nadia Halfway
📜 Introduction.
Living and especially travelling with Type 1 Diabetes is a daily challenge. However, it should never become a limit or an obstacle to your dreams. For me, travelling has become a way to push my boundaries, encourage myself to try new experiences, and prove that I can do everything others do, and even more.
Between long flights, unpredictable meals, and hectic rhythms, every trip has taught me something new about managing the condition. Over time, I’ve learnt that with a bit of organisation and awareness, you can go anywhere and do anything: live abroad, climb a mountain, volunteer, or even take on extreme adventures. Of course, with the right preparation and precautions.
In this post, I want to share my personal experience: from my early diagnosis to the challenges I’ve faced while travelling, in the hope of giving you a little courage if you ever feel held back.
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😓 The Diabetes Diagnosis.
I’m 34 years old now, and I’ve been living with Type 1 Diabetes since 1998 when I was just 5. I barely remember what life was like before diabetes. The diagnosis came early, so it has always been part of my daily routine. It hasn’t been easy, but it never stopped me from living extraordinary experiences: from university exchanges to volunteer projects, to backpacking adventures all around the world.
Back then, we didn’t have the advanced technology we have today. And above all, there was very little awareness about disabilities especially about so-called invisible illnesses and the struggles of those living with chronic conditions. I didn’t receive any real support, neither psychological nor medical, and at school there were episodes of bullying and isolation that deeply affected me during those years.
Luckily, things are changing now. There’s more information, more empathy, and most importantly, tools that make managing the condition a bit easier and less limiting.
😵💫 Basedow and Graves’ Disease.
When I was 20 years old, I decided, quite literally, to run away from home and move to London. I needed freedom, independence, and the feeling of standing on my own. But to be honest, I wasn’t ready at all, and I only stayed for a week. I like to think of that experience as the high school trip I never had.
Two days after returning home, I started feeling very sick. I ended up hospitalised for a week, where I was diagnosed with Basedow and Graves’ disease, a form of hyperthyroidism. After years of dealing with diabetes and all its complications, I wasn’t too shocked. The symptoms (tachycardia, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings) were annoying, but the treatment was simple: two pills a day. Nothing compared to the complexity of managing diabetes.
Five years later, though, things became less stable. My endocrinologist advised me to permanently remove my thyroid through a radioactive iodine pill, as my hormone levels kept fluctuating. Since 2019, I’ve been living with induced hypothyroidism. I take my Eutirox pill every morning, and fortunately, managing it is now simple and stable.
🤔 Living with Two Autoimmune Diseases.
Having two autoimmune diseases isn’t easy. It means coexisting with a body that sometimes seems to work against you. There are moments of fatigue and frustration, days when I wake up with low blood sugar and barely have the energy to get out of bed. But all the challenges that come with diabetes have also given me incredible strength and determination. Managing both diabetes and hypothyroidism requires balance, discipline, and self-awareness.
Over time, I’ve learned that these conditions are not just diagnoses: they’re part of me, but they don’t define me. Learning to live with them has made me more aware, resilient, and grateful for what I’m able to do every day.
If you also live with a chronic illness or severe disability, I won’t tell you it’s easy to travel or take on extraordinary adventures. My conditions, though serious and sometimes draining, still allow me to be independent without needing assistance. I just have to take precautions, always be prepared for the worst, stop when my body needs it, and carry my life-saving medication everywhere I go. On that note, I suggest you read my post Tips for Travelling Long-Term with Type 1 Diabetes.
😖 My (bad) Travel Experiences Related to Diabetes.
Having travelled extensively over the last 13-14 years, lived in six different countries, and completed two long backpacking journeys, I’ve collected quite a few challenging experiences related to Diabetes.
I’m sharing some of the most meaningful here as a reminder to always pay attention, even to the smallest details that can impact your trip and your health.
Click on the city names to view the full, detailed itinerary.
📍 Burgos (Spain).
It was 2016. I was in Burgos attending a summer event called Summer University, organized by AEGEE, a European student association. Halfway through the trip, my Humalog pen jammed and stopped working. Apparently, a grain of sand had gotten into the mechanism during a beach day.
Without a new prescription and considering the high cost of insulin, I was forced to use syringes temporarily. Those were tense days, insulin is delicate, and even a small mistake could have been dangerous.
What did I learn from this experience?
When travelling, and especially to seaside destinations, it is essential to protect your insulin pens not only from the heat, but also from sand. Grains of sand can get into the mechanism, jamming the pen and preventing the insulin from being injected. Therefore, always keep it in an airtight case and make sure your hands are clean and free of sand when you handle it.
Moreover, using syringes (without the necessary calculations or prescriptions) is dangerous, as it can lead to serious overdoses or the injection of air. It’s better to spend a bit of time in A&E and invest a bit more money on a new pack.
📍 Ottawa (Canada).
During my internship in Vancouver, I decided to spend Christmas in the French Canada since the office was closed. The cold was extreme, and my insulin completely spoiled. At the same time, I got pneumonia and sepsis, which led inevitably to diabetic ketoacidosis. I was alone, far from home, in a country where healthcare is expensive, with high fever, coughing, and vomiting.
Thankfully, a guy from the hostel, whom I barely knew, took me to the hospital and watched over my bags. If it hadn’t been for him, I’m not sure what would have happened. Just to be admitted to the ER, I had to pay CAD 900 (about €600). The final bill was over CAD 13,000, but except for the deductible, everything was covered by my travel insurance.
What did I learn from this experience?
Insulin is particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures, and it is essential to keep the pen you use every day at room temperature. Furthermore, as people with diabetes, we must be very careful about infections, as blood glucose management can affect the immune response. It is vital to wrap up warm to avoid falling ill, as a simple cough can easily develop into pneumonia or something more serious, leading quickly to diabetic ketoacidosis.
It’s also important to take out travel insurance: it may not cover pre-existing diabetes-related costs, but at least you’ll have access to medical care for other emergencies. Finally, even if you’re travelling on a budget and trying to save as much as possible, it’s best to have at least €1000 set aside to cover any initial unforeseen expenses, such as a visit to A&E or an emergency purchase of new insulin.
📍 Batumi (Georgia).
During my 8-day trip in Georgia, I had planned to use only one sensor since it lasts 15 days. But as soon as I arrived in Batumi, the sensor came off while I was changing into my pajamas. I naturally panicked, but the situation was quite manageable!
In fact, I quickly bought a new glucometer and test strips at a local pharmacy, without prescription. However, I had to limit my blood checks because the strips were quite expensive and I only got 20.
What did I learn from this experience?
The CGM comes off more easily than you might think, so it’s best to protect it and secure it with special adhesive plasters. Another important point is never to set off with a limited supply of equipment (pens, needles, sensors, etc.): the unexpected can happen at any moment, and it’s always best to have a spare supply.
So, if you use sensors, make sure you carry at least one extra, along with your glucose meter and the relevant test strips. If the need arises, it’s far better to spend a little extra at the chemist’s on a new pack than to ration your supplies by carrying out fewer tests than recommended.
📍 Ban Khwao (Thailand).
Thailand was one of the most intense and beautiful times of my life: three months backpacking across Southeast Asia, mixing exploration and volunteering. During that time, I was teaching English in a kindergarten in a small village, far from everything. I asked the coordinator to keep my insulin and sensors in her fridge. She agreed, but a week later, when I needed a new pen, I discovered she had moved the bag to the freezer.
My entire three-month supply was ruined. No one seemed to take responsibility or even understand the seriousness of what had happened. Thankfully, a French couple volunteering with me took me to the hospital, where I was able to buy a full new supply. Moreover, the insurance covered almost the entire cost: not as a medical expense, but as damaged luggage.
What did I learn from this experience?
Exploring new places and immersing yourself fully in a new culture is fascinating, but the language barrier is something that should not be underestimated. Not everyone speaks English or understands it perfectly, and, for cultural reasons, the seriousness of certain situations is not always fully grasped.
When you entrust someone with a bag containing life-saving medication, you must be precise and, whilst remaining respectful, be firm to ensure that your insulin is kept in the fridge at the correct temperature. Use a translator to communicate in the local language and, if you notice any hesitation, even show them a photo of a fridge. Better safe than sorry!
📍 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
In Malaysia, things went better though I still had a scare. I kept my insulin in the hostel fridge, and I had an early morning flight to Vietnam the day after. When I went to get it, the kitchen was locked, and there was no staff around.
After several attempts, I called the emergency number at the hostel. Eventually, someone woke up (not too happily) and opened the kitchen. It was a small incident, but a reminder that when you travel with diabetes, you can’t take anything for granted.
What did I learn from this experience?
Hostels are usually open 24/7, but staff are not always available at all hours of the day and night. Furthermore, many communal areas may be closed at certain times or have restricted access.
It is essential to have access to insulin at all times, whatever the time of day. Ask at reception whether the kitchen where you will be storing it has set closing times. If, however, there is no communal area and the staff suggest you keep your supply in their private fridge, make sure there is always someone on duty. If you’re travelling at night or at dawn, remember to collect your insulin well in advance: it’s better to leave it at room temperature for a few hours than to risk having to leave it behind or, worse still, miss your flight.
💡 Travel Tips.
To avoid similar situations, always make sure your insulin is safe and secure. You need easy access to it at all times, even in the middle of the night! It is also crucial to keep your active insulin pens at the right temperature by using a handy little cooler case. It works perfectly to keep my insulin at a constant temperature while I am out and about.
Another tip is never to set off with a limited supply. Always carry a sufficient supply, as well as alternative options such as pens if you use an insulin pump, and a glucometer if you use sensors.
Finally, you should definitely have reliable travel medical insurance and enough emergency funds. You never know when you might need to buy extra insulin or pay for a sudden hospital visit. Keep in mind that most hospitals require payment upfront and that your insurance company will then reimburse you after analysing your claim.
For even more advice on travelling with T1 Diabetes, have a read through my ultimate list of T1D must-have items and my tips for long journeys with Type 1 Diabetes.
🎈 Conclusion.
Travelling with Type 1 Diabetes can be scary, especially for extended periods. But if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that fear should never become a limit. With the right preparation, a bit of courage, and mindfulness, you can go anywhere.
Every trip is an act of trust: in yourself, your body, and the world. There will be setbacks, but also moments of pure freedom that make every effort worthwhile. Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Go, even with your fragility. You’ll discover that it’s not an obstacle, but part of your path.
Living with a chronic illness like Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams. It just means learning to chase them differently and maybe, even more fiercely.
💬 And you? Have you ever felt that Type 1 Diabetes was holding you back from your dreams or your desire to travel? If you like, share your story in the comments.
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