Diabetes Insulin in the parks

[cancer_survivor_06]

Hi, I am curious what the guidelines are for being able to bring insulin into the parks. I didn't know if it would be an issue b/c of the needle or do they ask that you pack it a certain way. I tried to find info but unless I am overlooking I couldn't find anything so I am asking here if anyone has experience or if they can pass me in the right direction to get the info. Thanks

 

[Cheshire Figment]

When I go into the parks and expect to be having dinner I will bring a loaded syringe in a Frio Cold Pack. I just put it in my belt bag. When I open the bag for Security I just tell them it has medications.

Note that if you are going to bring it in a bottle and not in a cold pack you should definitely take it to First Aid to be dtores as the inside of anything will get very hot during the day.

If you don't have one, I would suggest going to www.coolerconcept.com and looking at the Frio Cold Packs. There are several people in this forum, myself included, who use them.

These are gel packs that are water activated. They will keep the internal temperature at insulin-safe levels for over 40 hours. As the water evaporates you can just soak it in water for a few minutes to reactivate it. They come in various sizes.

For example, I have a "double wallet". Depending on what I am doing it will hold my Byetta pen as well as either a syringe with insulin in it or two insulin vials. And I tend to do at least five air round trips a year and have never had any problems with TSA over it.

 

[PatsMom]

Back when I was doing insulin, in the hot weather I did exactly what Cheshire Figment describes. I just pre-loaded the syringe or took a pen injector with me in a Frio cold pack. I wouldn't use one to keep my unopened insulin or Victoza cold enough but it works great for in use stuff. Keeps it cool enough.

I've never had security ask me about my sharps. They see a lot of them. Once or twice I've been asked to open the case for my glucometer but that is rare.

 

[FBDM66]

I've been a Type 1 for almost 30 years and have never had a problem with bringing the necesaries (insulin, needles, meter, lancets, etc.) into the parks. Security is always helpful and courteous. A guard at the Epcot bagcheck two weeks ago even showed me his meter that checks him constantly and told me where to look for it online (haven't yet).
As for insulin, Cheshire Figment's advice is perfect (btw-thanks for the link Cheshire Figment to the coolerconcept site - I've had a hard time finding the right cooler packs). I use a Humolog pen w/o any cooling pack and I've been fine, even in the August heat last week and the week before. Insulin will be stable at room temp. I just keep it in the backpack and out of the sun. I'm risking it, I know - but I'm going to check out that link!

Learn from my mistake - make sure you have glucose tabs or a juice box w/ you. I thought they were in the backpack last week, but much to my surprise they weren't there when I had a big drop.

 

[buffettgirl]

We my son was on shots we would bring a frio, put the vials (long and short acting) in the frio and never leave it at first aid. No trouble going into the park with a bunch of syringes. We travel in the summer and have never had an issue. I know with for people with type 1 who need to take insulin with every bite eaten that would be totally impractical to walk to first aid every time you need a shot. Your situation may be different though and you may not need insulin at every bite. But do know that we've never had insulin spoil in a frio - even in July.

Now that my son pumps we don't generally bring insulin into the park other than what's in his pump.

 

[SueM in MN]

First Aid will store insulin, but that is not the most convenient thing to do.
Unless you are eating very close to First Aid, you will need to do a lot of backtracking - plus, if you give the insulin in First Aid, the timing may not be good for eating.

So, most people do what the other posters suggested.

 

[Kelly77]

Thanks for the link Cheshire Figment! I just ordered the pump case. I've been thinking about getting one all summer. I definitely need one before Disney in September. I am a little nervouse about the pump getting wet, but they claim it won't.

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

Thanks a bunch, I am trying to get this info for my neighbors mom. They will be going next week so I don't know if they will get the pack in time but I will pass the info along for her. I know she was a bit worried about it when I talked to them last week.

 

[momto2js]

I have a pump that is in my bra in all weather. Insulin is in the pump for 3 days with no chilling. It used to be a problem before the more stable insulins were avaiable. But I have had no problems in 15 years and I live in the south were it is plenty hot most of the year. For me, I need to adjust the amount of insulin based on meals so pre-measuring doesn't work. I'd take the vial and some supplies but I wouldn't worry about keeping it cool unless you are already taking a small cooler for other things.

On a side note I do have the CGM system and while not the best of all worlds we have all hoped for for a long time, it is a step in the right direction and I LOVE it when touring.