November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, when we recognize the millions of people living with diabetes and the care routines they follow each day. From medication schedules to blood sugar checks, maintaining control takes planning and consistency. When you add travel to the mix, those routines can suddenly become extra complicated. Especially when it comes to storing, using, and safely disposing of sharps and other
Whether you are heading out for a weekend getaway or an international business trip, a little preparation can make diabetes management go much smoother. Here’s how to travel with diabetes confidently, while also keeping your medication safe and your sharps properly contained.
How Can People with Diabetes Keep Their Sharps Routine on Track?
To begin with, always use a travel-sized sharps container that’s puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and has a secure lid. Never dispose of used needles or pen tips loosely in the trash, recycling, or hotel waste bins, as this can pose serious safety risks.
For longer trips, PureWay’s mail-back system offers a simple, compliant solution. Once your container is full, you can seal it, place it back in the prepaid box, and send it directly to a certified facility for proper treatment. You can also look up local disposal sites at your destination, since many pharmacies, hospitals, and public health departments accept sharps for safe drop-off.
If you find yourself without a container, use a heavy-duty plastic bottle, such as a detergent bottle, with a screw-on lid, label it “Used Sharps / Do Not Recycle,” and bring it home for proper disposal. Safe disposal isn’t just about compliance; it helps protect hotel staff, airport workers, sanitation crews, and anyone else who might encounter your waste.
Storing and Using Medication Safely
Once you are on the move, maintaining proper storage and sticking to your routine are key to keeping your medication safe and effective. Insulin and GLP-1 medications are temperature-sensitive, so keep them between 36°F and 46°F until first use and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, car glove boxes, or any area that can overheat.
If you’re traveling across time zones, plan ahead by setting reminders on your phone to stay consistent with your injection schedule.
When administering injections in hotels, rest stops, or on airplanes, always clean the area first. For example, packing alcohol wipes is a simple way to ensure good sanitation wherever you are. It’s also a good idea to carry an emergency backup in case a pen malfunctions or medication is lost.
If you ever have concerns about missed doses or whether your medication has been stored correctly, reach out to your healthcare provider before continuing injections.
Travel Scenarios
Every trip looks a little different, so your approach to managing medication and sharps should fit your travel plans. For short business trips lasting just a few days, keep all essentials in a diabetic travel kit. Include items like medication, wipes, testing supplies, and a small sharps container in your carry-on bag. A compact 1.4-quart mail-back container is perfect for these quick trips, letting you store and return your used sharps safely once you’re back home.
Longer vacations or road trips require more flexibility. If you’ll be moving between cars, hotels, and day trips, plan for different storage conditions. Use insulated pouches for car travel. Keep your sharps container upright and secure in your luggage.
For international travel, research the local rules on carrying and disposing of sharps before you leave. Some countries restrict sharps in checked baggage or require travelers to declare them, so planning and using a mail-back system for safe disposal once you return can help you stay compliant and stress-free.
Make PureWay a Part of Your Diabetes Management Plan
Traveling with diabetes takes planning, but it doesn’t have to be extra stressful. By following your diabetes management plan, organizing your supplies, staying mindful of storage, and disposing of sharps responsibly, you can keep your routine on track wherever you go.
Choosing safe, compliant disposal options like a PureWay mail-back container helps protect you, others, and the environment. With a little preparation, you can travel confidently knowing you are caring for your health and keeping your health routine safe from start to finish.
Sources:
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/emergency-preparedness-drugs/information-regarding-insulin-storage-and-switching-between-products-emergency
