Concerts and Diabetes: How to Enjoy the Music and Stay Safe

Summer is definitely the concert season! From outdoor festivals to stadium tours, concerts are a fun way to spend time with family and friends. But when you’re living with diabetes, a long day (or night) at a concert requires a little extra planning. 

Between walking long distances, standing in lines, hot weather, and limited food options, concerts can affect your blood sugar in different ways. The good news? With a few simple steps, you can focus more on the music and less on the stress. 

Prepare Before You Leave 

A successful concert day starts before you even get to the venue. 

First, check the concert venue’s website. Most venues have rules about things like bags (i.e., bags must be clear and within a certain size), outside food and drinks and medical supplies. Many venues allow diabetes supplies, snacks, and water bottles if they are medically necessary. Some may even have a special medical line or security process. If you use devices like a CGM or insulin pump, it can also help to carry a medical ID or a doctor’s note just in case security has questions. 

Before heading out, check your blood sugar, charge diabetes devices, pack extra supplies, and eat a balanced meal with protein and fiber 

Concert days can be long, and it’s easier to manage your diabetes when you start prepared! 

What to Pack in Your Clear-colored Concert Bag 

Even if you want to travel light, there are a few important things to keep with you. 

Diabetes Essentials 

• Blood glucose meter or CGM receiver 

• Hand sanitizer/alcohol wipes 

• Extra test strips 

• Insulin or medications 

• Pump supplies or backup insulin pens 

• Low blood sugar treatments like glucose tablets or juice 

• Phone charger or portable battery pack 

• Water bottle if allowed 

It’s always smart to bring more supplies than you think you’ll need. Heat, walking, dancing, and delayed meals can all impact blood sugar levels. 

Snacks! 

Concert food lines can be long, and food choices may be limited. Pack easy snacks like protein bars and trail mix. These snacks can help if your blood sugar starts dropping while waiting in line or during the show. 

Be Ready for Long Lines 

Concerts usually involve a lot of waiting. You may spend time standing in line to enter the venue, buy food, or use the bathroom. During summer concerts, standing in the heat for long periods can lead to dehydration and may affect your blood sugar levels.  

To help avoid problems, try to drink water before and during the concert, keep low blood sugar snacks within easy reach, and wear comfortable shoes since you may be on your feet for hours. It’s also important not to skip meals just because food lines are long. If you know the venue is large, give yourself extra time to get around so you are not rushing from place to place. 

Food and Drinks at Concerts 

Concert food is usually fun but not always blood sugar-friendly. You do not have to avoid treats completely, but it helps to plan ahead. 

Better Food Choices 

Look for options with protein or fiber when possible: 

• Grilled chicken sandwiches 

• Burgers without extra sugary sauces 

• Nuts or popcorn 

• Wraps or sandwiches 

• Fruit, if available 

Foods like funnel cakes, giant pretzels, candy, and loaded fries can cause blood sugar spikes, especially when paired with sugary drinks. 

Watch Out for Sugary Drinks 

Many concert drinks contain a lot of sugar. Lemonade. Frozen cocktails. Soda. Energy drinks. It’s best to avoid these. Especially if it’s hot out. 

Diabetes and Alcohol 

Alcohol can also affect blood sugar in different ways. Some drinks may cause spikes, while others can lead to low blood sugar later in the night. 

Try to drink water regularly throughout the concert, especially if you are having alcohol. It’s also important to eat while drinking and avoid alcohol on an empty stomach, since this can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Pay attention to how your body feels and make sure you know the signs of low blood sugar so you can act quickly if needed. 

Low blood sugar can make a person act confused, shaky, dizzy, or sleepy, which may look like they are drunk.  Be sure your friends and family  know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Check blood glucose more often when drinking alcohol and always check BG before bed after drinking.  

Hot Weather and Diabetes 

Many summer concerts take place outdoors, and spending hours in the heat can make diabetes more difficult to manage. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, affect how insulin works in your body, and cause blood sugar levels to rise or fall unexpectedly. Heat can also impact diabetes devices, especially if they are left in direct sunlight for too long.  

To stay safe, drink water throughout the day, keep insulin and supplies protected from the sun, and wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn and added stress on your body. If possible, take breaks in shaded or cooler areas during the concert.  

Pay attention to how you feel, too. If you become dizzy, shaky, confused, or unusually tired, check your blood sugar right away and take care of yourself before symptoms get worse. 

Dancing, Walking, and Blood Sugar Changes 

Concerts can be surprisingly active. Between walking to the venue, dancing, and standing for hours, your body may use more energy than usual. 

For some people, this can lower blood sugar quickly. 

Pay attention to CGM alerts, symptoms of lows, and how active you are compared to a normal day. You may need extra snacks or small adjustments to insulin depending on your activity level. 

Go With People You Trust 

If possible, attend concerts with friends or family who know you have diabetes. They should know where you keep low snacks, what low blood sugar symptoms look like, and what to do in an emergency. 

You do not need to make diabetes the focus of the day or night, but having support around you can make you feel more comfortable. 

Remember to Enjoy the Moment! 

Living with diabetes does not mean missing out on concerts, festivals, or summer fun. It just means planning a little differently. With the right supplies, some preparation, and attention to your body, you can enjoy the music, sing along with your friends, and make great memories without feeling overwhelmed.  

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s to feel prepared enough to enjoy the experience safely and confidently. 

Author: Ellie Zaragoza, RN, CDCES | CCS Health  

This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.