The 14th November is World Diabetes Day, a global event that raises awareness about diabetes, encourages early diagnosis, and promotes access to care. It also celebrates the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin, a life-saving treatment for millions around the world.
At Insurancewith, we are proud to support people living with diabetes—especially when it comes to safe, confident travel. Whether you are managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, planning a holiday or business trip should be exciting, not stressful. In this blog, we share some helpful tips to help you travel well with diabetes, and highlight how easy it is to get travel insurance that fits your needs.
Diabetes is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in the UK and globally. Millions of people are affected and numbers continue to rise. And with the right tools, support, and knowledge, diabetes can be managed effectively, and individuals can lead full, active lives.
World Diabetes Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a call to action. It’s about providing real, practical advice that empowers people to live well with diabetes, including areas that often get overlooked, such as travel.
Diabetes is a health condition where the body cannot properly control blood sugar (glucose) levels. There are two main types:
This happens when your body cannot make any insulin. People with type 1 diabetes usually need daily insulin through injections or a pump. It is often diagnosed in children or young adults, but it can happen at any age.
This is the most common type. Your body still produces insulin but either doesnot make enough or cannot use it properly. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with a healthy diet, exercise, tablets, or sometimes insulin.
You can learn more about symptoms and treatment on the NHS website.
More than 4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed withdiabetes*, with around 8% having type 1, and approximately 90% having type 2. It’s also predicted that by 2030, over 5.6 million people in the UK could be living with the condition. *
The good news is that awareness is increasing, treatments are improving, and more people are learning how to manage diabetes and live full, active lives.
Thanks to advances in medical technology, managing diabetes – especially while travelling – has never been easier.
Technology such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and even closed-loop systems (also known as artificial pancreas tech) are helping people maintain stable glucose levels throughout changing routines and time zones. These advances are particularly helpful for people who travel frequently or to unfamiliar environments.
There are also UK-based education programmes like DAFNE (for people with type 1 diabetes) and DESMOND (for people with type 2 diabetes), which provide the confidence and skills needed to self-manage diabetes during holidays or long trips.
When choosing a destination, it’s worth considering how hot or cold environments may affect your blood sugar levels and insulin needs. For example, heading to warm-weather destinations like Spain, Greece, or Thailand may mean more time outdoors and higher temperatures, which can increase insulin absorption and lead to lower blood glucose levels. Staying hydrated and monitoring your levels more frequently becomes essential.
On the other hand, if you are planning a winter escape to a ski resort in France, Austria or Switzerland, cold weather can have the opposite effect, it may reduce blood circulation, slow insulin absorption, and sometimes lead to higher readings. You might also be more physically active, which adds another variable to keep an eye on.
None of these destinations are off-limits for people with diabetes, but being aware of how temperature changes affect your body means you can plan ahead and travel with greater peace of mind. Always pack accordingly, and if you’re unsure, speak with your diabetes care team before travelling.
Going on holiday with diabetes takes a little extra planning. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Read our quick and easy step-by-step guide to travelling with diabetes to find out what you need to know before you go.
Getting travel insurance for diabetes is now quicker and simpler than ever. Whether you are travelling for work, visiting family, or heading off on a well-earned holiday, you can get the right protection in just a few minutes, without confusing forms or long delays.
World Diabetes Day 2025 is not only a time to reflect, but also a chance to look ahead. With better awareness, better technology, and easier access to tailored travel insurance, people with diabetes can explore the world with greater freedom, safely, confidently, and peace of mind.
Planning your next trip? Get a free quote today.
