Crossing Time Zones with Diabetes: Stories of Resilience Without Pause

Travel is often celebrated as an escape — an opportunity to break free from routine, explore new cultures, and broaden one’s perspective. But for those of us living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), travel is less of an escape and more of an intricate balancing act — one that demands heightened awareness, recalibration, and constant decision-making, especially when shifting between time zones.

When I first travelled to the USA, I was still on Multiple Daily Injections (MDI), armed only with my Freestyle Libre 2 CGM — a gift from friends abroad. I was grateful for it, deeply so. But even with a CGM, navigating blood glucose management across continents was a physical and mental marathon. My body — used to one rhythm — was suddenly thrown into another. Meals, insulin doses, activity levels, even sleep — nothing matched anymore. My target range quickly became more of a dream than a standard, and glycemic control slipped through my fingers. There was no pump to automate anything, just me, my pens, and a hope I’d stay ahead of the curve.

Freestyle Libre 2

Living Between Clocks

Diabetes doesn’t wait for jet lag to pass. It doesn't care if you're sleeping through what used to be your dinner time, or if your long-haul flight threw off your basal dose by five hours. And for those of us who use MDI without access to the automation of insulin pumps or the predictive nudges of CGMs, the toll is even heavier.

Today, I’m privileged to use a hybrid closed loop system — the Medtronic 752 paired with a Dexcom G6 CGM. It’s changed my life. But I carry the memory of that trip to the U.S. with me — not to dwell, but to remember the millions who are still navigating new time zones with syringes and sheer willpower.

Hybrid Closed-Loop

So, I asked members of the global diabetes community: How do you manage diabetes while traveling across time zones — especially on MDI or early pump setups? What do you do when the clock shifts but your pancreas still doesn't cooperate?

Their stories are raw, funny, honest, and more than anything — real.

“Jet Lag is Brutal to Bodies like Ours” — Dr. KonstantinaTaki, Greece

For Konstantina, an MD living with T1D, switching time zones is more than a math problem — it's a body problem. She says, “You might be sleeping when you usually eat, or vice versa. Dehydration, long flights, stress — it all adds up.”

Her pump allows for a bit of flexibility: adjusting basal rates temporarily, tweaking settings on the go. But her advice is clear: “Trips are not about perfect TIR. They’re about experiences. Don’t panic. Hydrate. Snack wisely. And be kind to yourself.”

“I Forgot About Time Zones Until Two Days Before My Trip” — Lea Leleta, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Lea’s experience echoes what many of us fear: we prepare our gear, our clothes, our snacks — and forget the clock. Traveling from Sarajevo to Bangkok, she found herself recalculating insulin timing mid-flight, all while switching from pump to pens for a summer break. “It’s not just about logistics,” she says, “it’s about thinking ahead in a whole new way.”

Her hacks? Carry all your insulin with you (not just your bolus), hydrate, and trust your CGM — if you’re lucky enough to have one.

“The Math Never Stops” — Nupur Lalvani, India

For Nupur, long-haul flights on MDI are all about reminders and alarms. “You’re tired, hungry, confused — and it’s easy to forget whether you’ve taken your basal.” Her strategy is to keep her dose timing anchored to her home timezone, even while abroad, adjusting only once she's fully landed.

Her toolkit includes backups of everything: syringes, pens, snacks, and most importantly — self-compassion. “Some days will go sideways. That’s okay. Just keep moving.”

“The Travel Itself is the Basal Killer” — Sana Ajmal, Pakistan

Sana gets technical. Traveling east? “You risk stacking your basal insulin.” Traveling west? “You might go high, so corrections are your friend.” She talks about pre-adjusting doses 24-36 hours before the trip even begins, depending on the type of basal insulin.

Her secret weapon? Low-carb meals during travel. “If you can find them,” she laughs. “Otherwise, brace for impact.”

“New Time Zone, Same Body” — Jyotsana Rangeen, India

For Jyostana, adjusting to a new time zone is a dance between what her pump is programmed to do and what her body actually needs. “One of the biggest challenges is quickly syncing with new routines — especially meals and sleep,” she says. Her strategy begins on the plane: “I switch my pump clock to the destination as soon as I board and watch my CGM closely for the next 48 hours.” Temporary basal rates become her best friend during that transition. Her go-to hacks? Pack more supplies than you think you’ll need, split them across bags, carry a printed copy of your pump settings, and wear a medical ID. “And most importantly,” she adds, “listen to your body and make real-time changes if needed.”

From Lows to Lessons

Everyone I spoke to shared one sentiment in common: flexibility is key, perfection is not the goal. Traveling with diabetes will always be a challenge. For those still on MDI without access to tech, it's a bit like flying blind — but with experience, community support, and a lot of snacks, we make it through.

I’m grateful for how far I’ve come — for the tech that now gives me a bit of breathing room, and for the global family that reminds me I’m not alone. We swap stories, share hacks, and even laugh at our failures. Because this is the diabetes life — unrelenting, unpredictable, but full of people who rise to meet it every single day.

Final Thought

If you’re preparing to travel and living with diabetes — especially on MDI — remember: your best tool isn’t your basal pen, your CGM, or even your snacks. It’s your ability to adapt, stay calm, and carry on. Literally.

And if you’re someone with access to advanced tech — use it to the fullest, but never forget those navigating the journey with far less. Share your tips. Offer a sensor. Check in on a friend. Community is our strongest currency.

#DiabetesWithoutBorders #TimeZonesAndT1D #GlobalT1DVoices