T1D Day Trip Checklist for Parents: What to Pack for Short Outings
🛒 T1D Day Trip Checklist
Created by a dad who designed a better insulin case for his daughter, and for yours.
When my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 at age 4, I quickly learned that leaving the house—even for a few hours—meant carrying a mini pharmacy. I couldn’t find a case that was compact, organized, and actually kept insulin safe in the heat. So, I built one.
This list is what I wish I’d had at the beginning: everything you need for a day trip with Type 1 diabetes, all in one place.
✅ MUST-HAVES (Non-Negotiables)
🧊 Insulin & Delivery
• Pen, vials + syringes, or pump
• Backup infusion set, pump site change supplies if using a pump
• CGM, CGM applicator + Receiver + stickers
• Alcohol pads
• Ice pack to keep insulin cool in hot weather – this is where ours comes in
💉 Blood Sugar Monitoring
• CGM + CGM applicator + stickers or glucometer (don’t forget strips + lancing device + lancets)
• Ketone strips
🍬 Low & Snack Support
• Fast-acting sugar (juice box, glucose tabs, gummies, etc.)
• Low carb snacks with protein/fat (granola bar, nut butter crackers, etc.)
🚑 Emergency supplies
• Glucagon kit (nasal or injectable)
• Doctor’s contact info + emergency numbers (written down)
• Medical ID bracelet/card
• Extra low supplies (more than you think you’ll need!)
🛠️ Extras & Practical Items
• Bandaids
• Waste bag/container for sharps
• Extra batteries (if your device isn't fully charged)
• Phone + pump charger
• Extra cash
🎒 NICE-TO-HAVES (Based on Your Day)
☐ Water bottle
☐ Phone charger / backup battery (especially if using CGM)
☐ Ketone strips
☐ Disposable sharps container (or hard candy tin for needles)
☐ Backup site or pod (if using a pump)
☐ Printed prescription / doctor’s note (if needed for theme parks, etc.)
☐ Hand sanitizer + tissues
☐ Weather gear: sunscreen, jacket, umbrella
💡 TIPS FROM EXPERIENCE
💬 "We check blood sugar before we leave and again at our destination—it helps us catch patterns early."
💬 "The cooler case doesn’t just hold insulin—it buys peace of mind."
💬 "We always keep two kinds of low snacks. Juice for fast action, and something slower like trail mix."
❤️ FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
We’ve taken this list on zoo trips, museum days, park adventures, and Target runs. It’s been tested by heatwaves, tantrums, and spilled juice.
The key: carry light, but carry smart.
— T1D Dad & Founder