Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Travelling with diabetes requires careful pre travel preparation including medication review, insulin storage planning, documentation for airport security, and destination specific health risk assessment. Travel vaccinations including hepatitis A, typhoid, and flu are particularly important for people with diabetes. A travel health consultation at Newdays Pharmacy covers all aspects of diabetes safe travel. |
More than four million people in the UK live with diabetes, and the vast majority can and do travel internationally safely with appropriate preparation. Diabetes introduces specific travel health considerations beyond those of non-diabetic travellers, including medication management across time zones, insulin storage in variable climates, the impact of illness on blood glucose control, and an increased susceptibility to certain infections that are preventable by vaccination. Newdays Pharmacy in Berkshire provides travel health consultations that address all of these considerations for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Vaccinations That Are Particularly Important for Travellers with Diabetes
Hepatitis A
People with diabetes, particularly those with chronic liver involvement or chronically elevated blood glucose, are at higher risk of severe hepatitis A infection than healthy individuals. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all diabetic travellers to moderate or high risk destinations including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever can cause illness in people with diabetes due to the impact of systemic infection on blood glucose control. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for diabetic travellers to destinations where the risk is moderate to high.
Influenza
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people with diabetes as part of routine NHS care. Before international travel, particularly to destinations where healthcare access may be limited, ensure your flu vaccination is current. Influenza illness significantly disrupts blood glucose control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Pneumococcal Vaccination
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for people with diabetes as part of routine NHS care. If you have not received pneumococcal vaccination, discuss this with your GP or pharmacist before traveling to any destination.
Insulin and Medication Management During Travel
Insulin requires storage between two and eight degrees Celsius when not in use if unopened, pens that are in-use are typically stable at room temperature (below 25-30 degrees celsius) for a defined period. During air travel and in hot climates, a diabetic travel wallet or insulin cooler is essential. Airlines allow insulin, syringes, pen needles, glucose meters, and lancets in hand luggage; carry a letter from your GP or diabetes team confirming your diagnosis and the medical necessity of these items. Always carry at least twice the quantity of insulin and supplies you expect to need, split across hand luggage and a second bag, and never in checked luggage only. Time zone changes affect the timing of insulin doses and meals; your diabetes team can advise on dose adjustments for long haul travel.
Malaria Risk and Diabetes
Malaria can be particularly dangerous in people with diabetes. Diabetes impairs immune function and malaria can cause severe hypoglycaemia and dramatic swings in blood glucose. For diabetic travellers to malaria risk destinations, antimalarial tablets are essential. Atovaquone proguanil (Malarone) is generally well tolerated in people with diabetes; doxycycline is also suitable. Discuss your specific medication history and destination with our travel health pharmacist to ensure the chosen antimalarial does not interact with any of your regular medications.
Managing Illness Abroad with Diabetes
Any febrile illness abroad, including traveller’s diarrhoea, influenza, or malaria, can cause significant blood glucose instability in people with diabetes. Never stop insulin during illness even if eating poorly. Increase blood glucose monitoring frequency during illness. Oral rehydration salts are appropriate for diarrhoea in diabetic travellers but monitor blood glucose response carefully. Carry written sick day rules and emergency contact numbers for your diabetes team when travelling internationally.
| Book Now: Book a Travel Health Consultation at Newdays Pharmacy. We serve patients from Windsor, Eton, Twyford, Reading, and across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. |
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Keep your insulin, pens, needles, glucose meter and hypo treatments in your hand luggage, as insulin can freeze in the aircraft hold. Carry a letter from your GP or diabetes team explaining your condition and medical supplies, and pack at least twice the amount you expect to need in case of delays or loss.
Speak to your diabetes team before you travel, especially if you are crossing several time zones, as you may need to adjust the timing or dose of your insulin. Keep your watch on UK time during the flight if it helps you track doses, and check your blood glucose more often while travelling and for the first few days after you arrive.
Keep insulin out of direct sunlight and away from heat, using a cool bag or an insulated insulin wallet. Do not let it freeze or place it directly against ice packs. Insulin you are currently using can usually be kept at room temperature for a limited time, so check the leaflet for how long it lasts once opened.
Yes. At Newdays Pharmacy, our pharmacists can check your medicines and supplies, advise on storing insulin and managing your diabetes abroad, and recommend any travel vaccines you need as part of a travel health consultation. Book your appointment well before you travel so there is time to sort out prescriptions and vaccines.