Traveling with Diabetes: How Sinocare Devices Make It Easier

If you are traveling with diabetes, preparing for a long-haul flight can be stressful as you’re getting yourself out of your normal routine. Delayed meals, unfamiliar foods, different time zones, long security checks and disrupted sleep can all affect your blood sugar. 

Even if you have packed everything, such as your passport, tickets, clothes and diabetes-related supplies, you may still worry: Will I be able to keep my blood sugar steady on the flight? What if my insulin gets too warm or cold? Will the airport security let me carry extra insulin?

These concerns are all too common, especially for those who are newly diagnosed and flying with diabetes. But with the right tools and a little planning, you can travel safely. Sinocare offers devices that help you manage your glucose on the go.

Why Traveling Is Hard for People with Diabetes

While traveling, you won’t be able to stick to your daily routine. You might eat later or skip meals, try new foods or get less sleep. These changes can cause your blood sugar levels to spike or dip if you’re not prepared. Time zone shifts can hamper your usual insulin timing, increasing the risk of highs or lows if not adjusted properly (1).

On the other hand, insulin and other medications are sensitive to temperature and handling, and during travel, they may be exposed to extreme heat or cold. For instance, insulin kept in a hot car or in checked luggage on a plane may lose its potency. So, the real concerns are whether you’d be able to keep insulin cold without freezing it and refrigerate it at your destination (2, 3). 

Another major challenge is limited access to diabetes supplies. Running out of test strips, pump infusion sets, CGM sensors or batteries for your glucometer can become an emergency if you’re in a place where replacements aren’t easily available. You simply just can't assume that a pharmacy in another city or country is going to have the same exact insulin or test strips, so you have to bring enough for the whole duration you are traveling.

Packing & Pre-Travel Checklist

Use a packing checklist to make sure you have everything you need to manage your diabetes away from home. Pack at least twice as many medications and testing supplies as you expect to use. If your trip is about a week long, bring at least two weeks’ worth of insulin, pills, test strips, pump infusion sets, CGM sensors, lancets, pen needles or whatever you use. Be sure to pack a reliable blood glucose meter. 

Never pack your insulin, essential meds and diabetes supplies in checked luggage. Always keep them in your carry-on bag with you. Cargo holds can get extremely cold (below freezing) or luggage can go missing, so it’s too risky. Use an insulated travel case or cooling pouch for insulin. Include gel packs to keep insulin in a safe temperature range. Insulin is best stored at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F, or 2°C to 8°C (3, 4).

Keep your diabetes gear in a dedicated travel kit in your carry-on bag. The kit makes security checks much easier and keeps things handy. Your kit should include all your diabetes supplies, everything from a blood glucose meter to insulin (pens or vials) to emergency fast-acting sugar. Pack some glucose tablets or gels and a few small snacks (like granola bars or crackers) in case meals are delayed. Also, take your glucagon emergency kit if you have one. This could save your life during a severe hypoglycemic episode. 

What to Look for in Travel-Friendly Devices

• Accuracy and standards - select devices that comply with international standards (such as ISO 15197) and have regulatory approvals for both safety and accuracy.
• Small sample size and fast results - small amount of blood and quick results mean less disruption.
• Portability and durability - compact devices that store results, and are travel-friendly.
• Ease of use - no coding strips, strip ejectors, color indicators and easy to read displays.

How Sinocare Devices Make Travel Easier

Traveling with diabetes becomes easier when you have the right diabetes supplies in your travel kit. Sinocare provides user-friendly devices that make travel effortless. Its product line includes blood glucose monitors, continuous glucose monitors (CGM), uric acid monitors, blood pressure monitors and accessories. 

Sinocare was founded in 2002 in Changsha, China. Its mission is to make high-quality blood glucose meters accessible to every person with diabetes. Sinocare acquired Trividia Health and PTS Diagnostics in 2016 and operates 7 R&D centers and 8 production bases. The company has a strong reputation for quality and ranks No. 1 in China and No. 4 globally for blood glucose monitoring. Sinocare’s vision is to be the leading brand in diabetes management worldwide.

For travelers flying with diabetes, two stand‑out Sinocare devices are the Safe AQ Smart and Sinocare Safe AQ pro I blood glucometers. They have a compact and portable design and offer quick and accurate blood sugar readings on the go with long battery backup. Also, the kits come with a small carrying case that fits your meter, lancets, and test strips neatly together (great for airport security checks). The compact design means you can slip the kit into a purse or backpack pocket. 

Safe AQ Smart Blood Glucose Monitor

• Small sample and no coding: needs only 0.6 µL of blood and uses FAD-GDH, code-free test strips.
• Fast results: provides readings within 5 seconds.
• Lightweight and portable: compact design and carrying case make it easy to pack.
• Data memory: stores up to 10 test results
• Warranty: lifetime
  

Sinocare Safe AQ Pro I Blood Glucose Monitor

• Accurate & stable readings: Uses composite silver electrode technology with FAD-GDH for better conductivity, stability, and anti-interference.
• Small sample & fast test: Requires only 1.0 µL of blood and delivers results within 5 seconds.
• Intelligent color indication: Red, yellow, and green indicators quickly show if your reading is low, normal, or high.
• Blood ketone reminder: Alerts you to check ketones when glucose ≥ 13.9 mmol/L (device does not measure ketones directly).
• Trend tracking: Stores 500 results with date and time.
• Convenient & code-free: Test strips require no coding, reducing errors and saving time.
• Portable design: Compact build, powered by CR2032 battery (not included).

Travel Tips Using Sinocare Devices

Final Thoughts

Traveling with diabetes takes planning, but with travel-friendly devices like Sinocare’s Safe Accu and Safe AQ Smart, you can stay in control. Sinocare’s mission is to support people with diabetes to live full lives, and that includes traveling the world, as well.

Visit the Sinocare Official Website and check out their latest blood glucose monitoring devices to see if they could fit into your travel plans. Each device comes with clear instructions and customer support to help you get started. 

Your journey awaits! Don’t let diabetes stop you from seeing the world. With smart planning and Sinocare by your side, you can fly with confidence and make memorable memories. 

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Tips for traveling with diabetes. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/tips-for-traveling-with-diabetes.html.
2. Heinemann, L., Braune, K., Carter, A., Zayani, A., & Krämer, L. A. (2021). Insulin storage: a critical reappraisal. Journal of diabetes science and technology, 15(1), 147-159.
3. Richter, B., Bongaerts, B., & Metzendorf, M. I. (2023). Thermal stability and storage of human insulin. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023(11), CD015385. 
4. Rajkumar, V. (2022). Travel with diabetes: a comprehensive review for clinicians. Dubai Diabetes and Endocrinology Journal, 28(4), 121-130.