Travelling with Type 1 diabetes can be daunting. There’s insulin to think about, blood sugar spikes and drops, carb counting, and the ever-present fear of hypos in unfamiliar places. But here’s the truth, with a little preparation, you absolutely can travel, explore, eat amazing food, and live fully. Recently, I spent time in Milan, Italy, and I want to share how I managed my diabetes while soaking up all the beauty (and carbs) that the city has to offer.

Before You Go – Remember planning Is Power

Packing for travel with Type 1 diabetes means doubling up on your supplies. Bring twice as much insulin as you think you’ll need. Pack extra hypo treatments (especially if you’ll be walking a lot). Don’t forget backup batteries for your devices or a charging bank if you use a CGM or pump. Bring doctor’s notes, a list of current medications and a translated medical ID card for airport security or emergencies. Understandably, it takes a bit of work upfront. But once you’re there, you’ll thank yourself for being prepared.

Milan on Foot: Walking, Culture, and Blood Sugar levels

Milan is a walker’s paradise, and I averaged 20,000 to 50,000 steps a day exploring the city’s architecture, art, and food. Lots of walking means more insulin sensitivity and potentially more hypos, so I always kept fast-acting glucose in my bag. But on the odd occasion I must admit I forget to bring any form of fast acting glucose. Thank God I have two amazing friends who are also medical professionals so I was in good hands and also got to see how kind and beautiful the people of Italy can be. A kind Italian gentleman bought me some strawberries after learning from my friends that I was having a hypo.

Every day in Milan was an active day:

Because we were going to be in Milan for a long weekend. We needed to cram in as much as possible. With this in mind, I set a temporary basal rate on someday because I knew we’d be walking a lot. If you are on multiple daily injections (MDI) reduce your long-acting insulin and discuss this with your healthcare professional prior to the journey. Snack before long walks, even if your sugars are okay. Stop often for water and food, you’ll need both! With the addition of the high temperatures this also added an additional factor to managing my sugar levels.

Food, Glorious (Italian) Food: Eat It

Yes, I ate gelato. Many in fact. And pasta. And my sugars didn’t seem to mind one bit. I think in combination with the heat and walking I wasn’t having spikes. Take into consideration that you may need to pre-bolus before your meals. I’ve learnt over the years that if I am in warmer climate and doing a lot of activities, bolusing after the meal works better for me. We are all individual and therefore you need to do what is best for our bodies and our diabetes management. I still estimated carbs (and accepted that sometimes I may get it wrong, especially with not eating my usual diet, but that’s ok). I didn’t have any high sugar levels but I timed it so that if I was going to treat myself to gelato then I’d include this on a day we walked a lot. Timing is everything. But don’t over stress yourself. Just remain calm and be prepared.

Diabetes should not mean restriction, it means balance.

You can enjoy tiramisu and still care for your body. You’re not being reckless by enjoying yourself, you’re living. For me this balance means, lowing my cortisol levels and being stress free from the day to day life we lead. Also, the opportunity to be in Italy doesn’t come around often so I made sure I enjoyed every second I got there.

When Things Go Wrong: The Hypo Moments

Hypos can happen, whether you’re hiking in Lake Como or you just didn’t eat as much breakfast that morning. They happen! This is nothing new to us living with diabetes. So, if they do happen just remember, sit down. Don’t push through it. Treat it, wait, and then move on. Don’t feel guilty, this is part of the diabetes life deal. Also, if you are with other people rely on them to help you and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Once you’re feeling ok again, put it behind you and continue to enjoy your surroundings.

Day Trip to Lake Como

A short, cheap train ride from Milan in the direction of Locarno Switzerland, Lake Como is a dreamy getaway. We explored Varenna, took boats across the lake, and hiked the hills above the water. It was hot, sunny, and physically demanding. I lowered my insulin and kept sipping electrolyte water and had many snacks in my bag and my friend’s bags. This is where travelling with people who know you well can come in handy.

Pro tip: Italian pharmacies sell glucose drinks and hypo gels if you need a local backup.

Life Is Short, Enjoy the Gelato

Managing diabetes while traveling isn’t easy. It takes effort. It takes constant thinking. But it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on joy. The art is in preparation without obsession, care without restriction. Walk the city. Try that cannoli. Sit in a piazza and just be. Give yourself some grace. You are allowed to enjoy yourself, diabetes and all.

Night time at Duomo

Have you traveled with diabetes? Share your tips or favorite destinations in the comments. I’d love to hear from fellow T1D travelers or even supporter of T1Ds!

Thanks for stopping by

Amina xxx