T1D Adventures: School Trips with Type 1 Diabetes

School trips are an exciting part of childhood- whether it’s a day exploring a museum, a weekend of outdoor activities or even an overseas adventure. But when your child has Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), these experiences can feel nerve-wracking.

The good news? With the right preparation, your child can have an amazing, stress-free trip while staying safe and confident in their diabetes management. Here’s how to make school trips (both day and overnight) a smooth and positive experience!

1. Communication is Key: Work With the School Early

Before the trip, set up a meeting with the teacher or trip leader to go over your child’s diabetes care. Even if staff are already familiar with the needs, trips bring new challenges like extra activity, different meals, and unpredictable schedules.

• Explain your child’s routine- Testing, insulin, meal timing and how to handle hypos and hypers.

• Discuss supervision- Will a teacher be responsible for reminders, or is your child independent?

• Emergency action plan- Provide a written guide with key symptoms, treatment steps and emergency contacts

• Medication & supplies- Make sure staff know what equipment your child will carry and how to use it if needed.

For overnight trips, it’s even more important to have a clear plan in place. Reassure teachers that while diabetes requires extra care, it won’t stop your child from having a great time!

2. Packing Like a Pro: The Ultimate T1D Kit List

Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight stay, packing enough diabetes supplies (and then some!) is essential.

For a Day Trip:

• Blood glucose meter & test strips

• CGM or Flash Glucose Monitor (if used)

• Insulin (pen or pump supplies)

• Hypo treatments (glucose tablets, sweets, juice boxes)

• Slow-acting carbs (cereal bars, crackers, biscuits)

• Spare batteries or chargers for devices

• Contact numbers & NHS number

• Cool pack to store insulin (if needed)

• Packed lunch (if needed)

• Water bottle for hydration

• Contact phone (if allowed)

For Overnight Trips, Add:

• Extra insulin & pump supplies, CGM sensors & adhesive patches (pack double the amount needed!)

• Additional hypo treatments (better to have too many than not enough)

• Backup pen & needles (even if using a pump), lancets

• Cool pack to store insulin (if needed)

• Ketone strips & sick day supplies

• Night-time snacks

• Travel-size sharps container

• Comfortable, easy access bag for diabetes gear

• Plan for night-time checks (CGM alerts, teacher check-ins, etc)

• A written care plan for teachers

A mini diabetes kit should be easily accessible in a backpack, not tucked away in luggage.

3. Food, Fun & Carb Counting on the Go

Food on school trips can be unpredictable, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Ask for the menu in advance- If meals are provided, try to get an idea of what’s available to plan insulin doses.

• Pack familiar snacks- Having easy, carb-counted options helps avoid last minute stress.

• Flexible meal times? No problem!- Make sure your child knows to test and adjust insulin, if needed.

For active trips (e.g., hiking, swimming, theme parks), extra snacks and adjustments for exercise will be key.

4. Managing Hypos & Hypers on the Move

Trips mean more walking, excitement and sometimes late nights, all of which can affect blood sugar. Remind your child to check blood sugar before/ after activities.

• Low blood sugar (hypos)? Staff should know the signs and how to treat them quickly. Your child should also carry glucose at all times.

• High blood sugar (hypers)? Encourage plenty of water and extra insulin, if needed. Make sure ketone strips are packed for overnight stays.

• Night-time lows on overnight trips? If your child is still young or has frequent night-time lows, discuss with staff how checks will be handled.

5. Encouraging Independence (But With a Safety Net!)

A school trip is a great chance for your child to build confidence in their diabetes management. If they’re old enough, encourage them to:

• Take charge of testing and insulin (with staff as backup if needed).

• Listen to their body- Recognise signs of highs and lows.

• Speak up- If something feels off, they should feel comfortable telling a teacher.

• Keep in touch- If allowed, a quick text update to you can ease nerves for both of you.

6. What About Sleepovers & Overnight Stays?

Overnight trips require extra preparation, especially for younger children who may need help with night-time checks, insulin adjustments or managing hypos while sleeping.

• Who will be responsible for night-time checks? If your child wears a CGM with alerts, discuss whether a teacher can help monitor overnight.

• What happens if they need help? Make sure your child knows who to wake up if they feel unwell.

• Reassure them! Even if they’ve never spent a night away before, remind them they’re prepared and can handle this.

Some parents choose to stay nearby for extra reassurance, while others arrange to be on-call, in case support is needed.

7. Trust, Prepare and Let Them Have Fun!

It’s completely normal to feel anxious about your child going on a school trip with Type 1 Diabetes. With the right preparation and a supportive school team, your child can enjoy every moment just like their friends.

• They are capable. Even if they need some support, they’re learning skills that will help them for life.

• They deserve these experiences. T1D doesn’t have to hold them back from amazing adventures.

• You’ve prepared them well. Extra snacks, backup supplies and a solid meal plan mean they’re ready for anything!

So take a deep breath, send them off with a smile and get ready to hear all about their trip when they get back!