For those with a zest for life and a touch of wanderlust, diabetes shouldn’t hold them back. If you know someone with diabetes who loves to travel, supporting their passion is a wonderful gift in itself! Traveling with diabetes, especially Type 1, presents unique challenges, but thoughtful gifts can significantly ease their journey. Having navigated the world with Type 1 diabetes for years, I’ve personally tested and refined a range of items that make diabetes management on the go much smoother. This guide shares the best Gifts For Diabetics, focusing on practical solutions to common travel-related diabetes concerns, suitable for both seasoned globetrotters and those closer to home.
Many of these gifts are not just travel-specific; they are valuable for everyday diabetes management too.
Person with CGM on arm, representing continuous glucose monitoring for diabetes management
In this guide, I’ll share my experiences and explain why these gifts are essential travel companions for me. I even have stories, like the time my insulin froze mid-flight to Europe! As a frequent carry-on-only traveler, space-saving and smart packing are crucial. You’ll find some tech-savvy suggestions that might seem unusual at first, but trust me, they serve a vital purpose for managing diabetes on the road.
If you know a hiking enthusiast with diabetes, consider a hiking journal designed to track glucose levels during hikes. Explore it here!
About Jason Robinson // The Nomad Experiment
Jason Robinson, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 42 after discovering international travel later in life, inspires others to overcome travel fears, especially those related to medical conditions. He encourages living life to the fullest, regardless of challenges.
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DIABETES TRAVEL BAGS & INSULIN COOLERS: Essential for Insulin Management
Traveling with insulin, particularly for Type 1 diabetics, requires careful planning to maintain its temperature. I’ve experimented with numerous diabetes supply bags, from basic pouches to sophisticated cooling solutions. My ideal travel bag is compact, durable, water-resistant, easy to clean, and discreet, blending functionality with style.
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Insulated insulin travel cases preventing insulin from freezing during travel
Diabetes travel bags and coolers are highly situational. My choice depends on the type of trip.
FRIO Insulin Cooling Wallets – Keep insulin cool, not refrigerated.
FRIO Insulin Cooling Wallets: Short-Term Cooling Solution
FRIO cooling wallets are water-activated and reusable, perfect for keeping insulin cool for hours or up to a day in warm conditions. Note: they are not designed to refrigerate insulin.
Insulated insulin travel cases preventing insulin from freezing during travel
48+ Hour Refrigerator Temp Insulin Coolers
For long flights or train journeys, I rely on these robust insulin coolers. They confidently maintain refrigerator temperatures for both opened and unopened insulin using frozen bio-gel. For added security, especially in extreme conditions, I pair the powered insulin cooler with a high-capacity power bank, discussed later in this gift guide.
Vivi Cap Insulin Flexpen Cooler – A shield for insulin pens.
VIVI Cap Insulin Flexpen Shield: Protection in Extreme Heat
The VIVI Cap insulin flexpen cooler, while pricier, is an innovative option for extremely hot climates. Although I haven’t personally used it since switching to a pump, it’s a promising solution for maintaining insulin pen temperature in prolonged high heat. As technology advances, I expect the cost to become more accessible.
Compact Water-Resistant Diabetes Supply Bag
This small toiletry bag is not diabetes-specific, but it’s ideal for carrying daily diabetes essentials. Its compact size (8.5″ x 2.75″ x 2″), water-resistant material, and stylish colors make it perfect for needles, glucose testing supplies, and glucose gels. It’s discreet and doesn’t look like a typical diabetes bag.
Magnetic Beltless Waist Pouch: Convenient for Active Lifestyles
I used this magnetic waist pouch primarily when working as a server to hold my insulin pump, phone, and emergency glucose gel. It’s also excellent for running or gym sessions, keeping essentials secure and accessible.
Transcend glucose gels for quick blood sugar correction
Glucose Gels for Hypoglycemia: Fast-Acting Relief
Glucose gels are a must-have for treating low blood sugar. While they can be pricey, their effectiveness makes them a valuable gift for diabetics. One gel can raise blood sugar by approximately 50 points within 5-15 minutes. They are incredibly convenient for city explorations, unexpected lows during physical activity, or nighttime hypoglycemia.
FURTHER READING: Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes? You’re Not Alone! & Overcoming Travel Fear: A Beginner’s Guide
My Road ID emergency bracelet pictured in Portugal, highlighting medical identification during travel.
DEVICE & INSULIN PROTECTION: Safeguarding Diabetes Technology
Protecting valuable diabetes technology is paramount. Like any traveler with electronics, I safeguard my insulin pump, CGM, and other devices with protective gear. Diabetes tech can be costly, making protection a smart investment.
Silicone insulin vial covers for drop protection
Insulin Vial Protective Silicone Covers: Drop Defense
These silicone covers are applied immediately to new insulin vials. Having dropped and broken insulin vials before, I consider these essential for everyday use and especially for travel, providing cushioning even inside coolers.
Insulin Pump Silicone Covers & Screen Protectors: Comprehensive Protection
My insulin pump, a significant investment, is always protected with a silicone cover and a screen protector. Silicone protectors are available for most pump models in various colors. When gifting, simply inquire about the pump model.
Dexcom G6 CGM arm band for sensor protection during activities
CGM Sensor Protective Armband: Secure Your Sensor
For CGM users who wear sensors on their arms, a protective armband is ideal for active travel. While I haven’t personally used this armband, reviews are positive, especially for activities like ziplining and water sports. A glow-in-the-dark version adds a fun element.
CGM Patches: Skin Tone Matching Options
CGM patches are essential for keeping sensors secure. This brand stands out by offering a range of skin tone-matching colors, a much-needed inclusive option.
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EXPERIENCES & TOURS: Gift of Adventure
For budget-conscious travelers like myself, tours and excursions often feel like a splurge. Gifting a Get Your Guide gift card empowers diabetic travelers to choose experiences they might otherwise skip.
Get Your Guide offers “over 60,000 tours, activities, and attractions in over 3,600 global destinations.”
Many experiences are affordable, allowing a gift card to cover multiple adventures.
Travel tours image highlighting global experiences
Explore Get Your Guide Gift Cards. This is a fantastic gift for any traveler, not just those with diabetes!
Apple AirTags: Luggage Tracking for Peace of Mind
Apple AirTags provide a cost-effective way to track luggage and belongings. Attach them to checked bags or backpacks for added security while traveling.
EVACUATION INSURANCE: Medical Emergency Preparedness
A unique and crucial gift for diabetic travelers, especially internationally, is medical evacuation insurance. While travel medical insurance is vital, evacuation insurance is equally important, even within the US.
Evacuation insurance ensures transport back to their home state if hospitalization occurs away from home.
Learning about evacuation insurance provided significant peace of mind for my international travels, reducing stress associated with managing diabetes abroad.
FURTHER READING: Travel Medical Insurance for Diabetics with Pre-existing Conditions & Research Medical Evacuation Insurance Plans
USEFUL APP SUBSCRIPTIONS: Entertainment and Relaxation
Access to streaming services can be limited or costly while traveling. Subscriptions for music or reading apps allow for downloading content for offline use, crucial in areas with expensive or no data.
Music and books can be essential for emotional well-being, especially when managing the stresses of traveling with diabetes.
Gift cards for app stores (Apple & Android) can be used for streaming services, reading apps like Audible or Kindle, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and even meditation apps for relaxation.
The Travel Book by Lonely Planet, a source of travel inspiration
The Travel Book: Inspiration for Destinations
The Travel Book from Lonely Planet is a fantastic source of travel inspiration. Part of a Lonely Planet series, along with the “Cities” book, it’s a beautiful gift for anyone dreaming of global adventures.
FURTHER READING: Safe Travel Tips for Beginners: Reduce Travel Anxiety & Embrace Courage: Living an Encourageous Life
TECH & SPACE-SAVING: Power and Convenience
Space-saving and reliable power are vital for diabetic travelers managing devices and insulin coolers. These tech gifts address the specific needs of diabetes management on the go.
26800mAh Power Bank and 32W/20W Fast Charger: Stay Powered Up
Upgrading to a high-capacity power bank and high-speed charger has been a game-changer for my travels.
This high-capacity power bank and fast charger significantly reduce charging times for devices, including power banks themselves. Multiple high-capacity outputs allow simultaneous charging of pumps, phones, and camera batteries. A multi-charging cord adds further convenience.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Road ID with Critical Information
Road ID is crucial for medical identification. In an emergency, it immediately informs responders about diabetes. I’ve worn a Road ID since my diagnosis. They are fashionable, available in styles for smartwatches and fitness trackers, and offer peace of mind.
FURTHER READING: Inspirational and Motivational Books for Adulting & Travel Medical Insurance for Diabetics
THOUGHTFUL DONATIONS: Supporting Diabetes Charities
A meaningful gift is a donation to a diabetes charity in the recipient’s name.
These organizations provide essential support, information, and advocate for affordable insulin and medical supplies.
Supporting these organizations is vital for the diabetes community.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it! For questions, comment below or connect on Instagram.
Cheers!
Jason A Robinson, author of The Nomad Experiment, diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
About Jason Robinson
Jason Robinson, author of “The Beginner Traveler’s Guide To Going Nomad,” is The Nomad Experiment. He embraced travel in his 40s, and despite a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at 42, he encourages others to pursue unconventional lives regardless of age or medical conditions.
Start Your Travel Life: The Beginner Traveler’s Guide To Going Nomad
Dreaming of full-time travel? This book guides you through the steps to transition to a nomadic lifestyle.
Beyond short trips, learn how to maximize budgets and extend travels into months or years.
Honest and Practical Travel Advice
This isn’t another stuffy self-help book. It’s a straightforward guide to building a travel-filled life.
Luke, Author & Podcast Host
Inspiration from a Fellow Traveler
Jason’s journey and advice inspire confidence to overcome travel hesitations.
Ted, Podcast Producer
Beautiful and Motivating Gift
Visually appealing and practical, it’s an excellent gift for travelers and aspiring adventurers.
Lily, Author
Captivating and Inspiring Stories
Jason’s writing style and personal stories make this book a valuable and rereadable resource.
Fiona, Reader
