Living Well with Diabetes Newsletter | October 2025

How to Stay Safe When Traveling with Diabetes

By: Jessica Hrdlicka MS, RD, LD/N, CDCES

Here are practical and safety-focused travel tips for people with diabetes, whether you’re taking a road trip or flying abroad:

✈️ Before You Travel

1. Talk to your healthcare provider.

• Ask about adjusting insulin or medication schedules if you’ll be crossing time zones.

2. Pack double the supplies.

• Bring twice the amount of insulin, test strips, lancets, CGM sensors, pump supplies, and snacks you think you’ll need.
• Split them between carry-on and checked luggage in case of loss or delay.
• Never pack medications in your checked luggage in case luggage is lost or damaged.

3. Keep medications accessible.

• Always keep insulin and diabetes tech in your carry-on, not checked baggage.
• Store insulin in a cool pack (never directly on ice).

🧳 During Travel

4. Be smart about airport security.

• Insulin, needles, and meters are allowed through TSA—declare them if asked.
• If you use a pump or CGM, you can request a hand inspection instead of going through full-body scanners or X-rays.

5. Stay hydrated and move often.

• Dehydration and sitting too long can affect blood sugar and circulation.
• Drink water regularly and stretch your legs at least every 1–2 hours.

6. Time your meals and meds carefully.

• Long flights or layovers can throw off schedules—set alarms for glucose checks and medication reminders.
• Pack carb-controlled snacks (nuts, protein bars, fruit, or whole-grain crackers with peanut butter) to avoid spikes or lows.

🌍 At Your Destination

7. Store insulin safely.

• Keep insulin cool—use a Frio cooling wallet or mini-fridge if available.
• Avoid extreme heat or direct sun exposure.
• Avoid freezing insulin.

8. Be mindful of new foods and activity.

• Try new dishes slowly—local foods may have different sugar content.
• More walking or swimming can lower blood sugar, so check levels more frequently.

9. Know where to get help.

• Identify nearby pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics before you go.
• In non-English-speaking countries, carry a diabetes translation card (e.g., “I have diabetes. I need sugar/insulin.”).

🩸 Emergency Prep

10. Always carry a quick source of sugar.

• Glucose tablets, gels, raisins or small juice boxes for lows.
• Keep medical ID on you (bracelet, necklace, or smartphone alert).

For more information on diabetes management, chronic kidney disease, weight loss or nutrition education please call 561-659-6336 ext 8012 to schedule an appointment today. Please enjoy our October 2025 Living Well with Diabetes Newsletter

Medtronic Simplera Sync Continuous Glucose Monitor

By: Ines Cobo CDCES

The Medtronic Simplera Sync is a disposable, all-in-one continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensor that pairs with the Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G insulin pump system and the InPen. The sensor is smaller than previous Guardian models , lasts up to six days, and transmits glucose data directly to the pump without a separate transmitter or overtape. The insertion is very simple, requires only 2 steps, no fingerstick calibration needed with SmartGuard Technology. Symplera was approved for patients 2 years and older.

Features:

• Disposable and all-in-one:

The sensor is entirely disposable, eliminating the need for a reusable transmitter that requires charging.

• Simple insertion:

It uses a quick, two-step insertion process for easier application.

• No fingersticks:

With the SmartGuard™ technology, it eliminates the need for fingerstick calibrations to manage blood glucose.

• No overtape:

The design includes a built-in adhesive, so no separate overtape is needed.

• Compatibility:

It is designed exclusively for the MiniMed™ 780G system, which includes Meal Detection™ technology to help automatically adjust insulin delivery.

• Wear time:

The sensor can be worn for up to six days, followed by a 24-hour grace period.

• Water-resistant:

It is protected against continuous immersion in water, allowing for showering and swimming without removing it.

Patients using the Medtronic 780G System would have to update the Medtronic App and 780G pump before using Simplera Sync.

If you would like more information about the Simplera Sync sensor, check out Medtronicdiabetes.com or call our office to schedule a consult with one of our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists at 561-659-6336 ext 8012.

Healthy Holiday Meal Planning Class & Pre-Diabetes Sessions are available! Join our classes to stay motivated during the holidays & feel great!

Healthy Holiday Meal Planning & Weight Loss Class

West Palm Beach Location (Virtual or In Person!)

Temple Israel 1901 N. Flagler Drive

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Tuesday December 9^th10am-12pm

Boynton Beach Location

6056 Boynton Beach Blvd.

Boynton Beach, FL 33437

Tuesday November 4^th10am-12pm

Pre-Diabetes Class

West Palm Beach Location (Virtual or In Person!)

Temple Israel 1901 N. Flagler Drive

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Tuesday December 16^th 10am-12pm

If interested attending this program please contact our scheduling department at (561) 659-6336 Extension 8001 today!

At Healthy Living with Diabetes we want to ensure that you are satisfied with all services received. We also would like your input on educational workshops that you would like us to offer, information you would like to read about in Healthy Living with Diabetes Monthly or feedback on any workshop that you may have attended. You can contact the director of education personally by email jcook@PBDES.COM or leave a message at (561) 659-6336 ext. 8012. We would love to hear from you!

Check us out on the web!

www.palmbeachdiabetes.com

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