Diabetic

[PLUTO2]

This is the first time we will be traveling since my DH was diagnosed with diabetes. Does anyone know what is the procedure for flying and diabetic materials in the carry on (needles, lancets,etc...)?Thank you.

 

[ducklite]

As long as you've got a script from your Dr., you can carry them on no problem. Do not check them, carry them on.

I carry my Epi-pen with no problem, never even had a blink about it!

You're not the only diabetic who flies, they see all types of medical devices every day and are well aware of what they are.

Anne

 

[tessqt]

My Mom has been flying with her insulin for years, never a problem, but she does carry them on.

 

[zurgswife]

Both my kids are diabetic and we carry on needles, insulin, lancets without any problem.

Don't worry.

 

[puffkin]

My DH is type 1 diabetic, so he needs insulin. We used to get a letter from the doctor just in case, but now we don't bother. He just carries it on with his other toiletry items. Never been stopped or asked about it.

Please double and triple check that it is in your carry on though!

 

[littlestix]

I agree with everyone else. It should not be any problem. My boyfriend has a job that requires him to fly every week. He has never been questioned about his supplies.

 

[PLUTO2]

Thank you for all the responses, this is a new experience for us and appreciate all the comments.

 

[jiminy14]

My DD has been travelling with her diabetic supplies for almost 15 years and we have never experienced a major problem. Once right after 9/11 we were pulled to the side and asked to open everything and turn it on (blood monitor). That only happened that one time and I chalked it up to the atmosphere at the time.
Disney is great in helping diabetics. You can request a sharps disposal for your room or you can take them to any of the first aid stations in the parks where they will be disposed of for you. You can store your insulin and testing materials at the first aid station so that you don't have to carry them throughout the park. They will also provide a room for testing and your insulin injections.
We pack all of her supplies in a separate carry-on (cosmetic case). We also bring an extra set of prescriptions and a letter from the doctor verifying her condition. We have never been asked to show any of this paperwork.

 

[stormy1]

(From ADA website)

Flying With Diabetes:

The Transportation Safety Administration offers the following advice for persons with diabetes who will be traveling by air:

Notify the screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you.

Make sure insulin (vials or outer box of individual doses), jet injectors, pens, infusers, and preloaded syringes are marked properly (professionally printed label identifying the medication or manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label)

There is no limitation on the number of empty syringes that you will be allowed to carry through the security checkpoint; however you must have insulin with you in order to carry empty syringes through the checkpoint.

Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose test strips can be carried through the security checkpoint.

Notify screeners if you're wearing an insulin pump and ask if they will visually inspect the pump since it cannot be removed from your person.

Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin with professionally printed labels described above.

If possible, advise screeners when/if you are experiencing low blood sugar and are in need of medical assistance.
In the event that you encounter problems boarding a flight, you should contact the FAA Grounds Security Commissioner at the airport for assistance. You should not pack diabetes supplies in checked baggage, because the cargo hold temperatures can vary greatly and because you may need the supplies during the flight.

Since many airlines have cut back on food service, it's a good idea to carry emergency food in case you or your child experience hypoglycemia. Carrying a small water bottle is a good idea too.

 

[PLUTO2]

(From ADA website)

Flying With Diabetes:

The Transportation Safety Administration offers the following advice for persons with diabetes who will be traveling by air:

Notify the screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you.

Make sure insulin (vials or outer box of individual doses), jet injectors, pens, infusers, and preloaded syringes are marked properly (professionally printed label identifying the medication or manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label)

There is no limitation on the number of empty syringes that you will be allowed to carry through the security checkpoint; however you must have insulin with you in order to carry empty syringes through the checkpoint.

Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose test strips can be carried through the security checkpoint.

Notify screeners if you're wearing an insulin pump and ask if they will visually inspect the pump since it cannot be removed from your person.

Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin with professionally printed labels described above.

If possible, advise screeners when/if you are experiencing low blood sugar and are in need of medical assistance.
In the event that you encounter problems boarding a flight, you should contact the FAA Grounds Security Commissioner at the airport for assistance. You should not pack diabetes supplies in checked baggage, because the cargo hold temperatures can vary greatly and because you may need the supplies during the flight.

Since many airlines have cut back on food service, it's a good idea to carry emergency food in case you or your child experience hypoglycemia. Carrying a small water bottle is a good idea too.

Thank you for taking the the time to post this useful information. Again, thank you for all the helpful responses. These message boards are wonderful!!

 

[PLUTO2]

Hi stormy1, I just noticed you just joined. Welcome

 

[bytheblood]

You're not the only diabetic who flies, they see all types of medical devices every day and are well aware of what they are.

Anne

Gee, Anne. That was rude. I don't think she thought she was the only diabetic to fly. However, never having flown with a diabetic before, I can understand that she knows nothing about it. She was looking for help, not pity.

 

[PLUTO2]

Thank you bytheblood

 

[TheLeonhardts]

Pluto:

Like all the others, I have never had a problem traveling with my diabetic supplies. I keep a copy of my syringe prescription in my briefcase, just in case. Ask your endrochrinologist if there is a diabetic supply store near by -- I have a great travel case for my insulin that has a re-freezable core that holds 2 bottles of insulin and pockets in the front for syringes and alcohol swabs. I love it, but it's hard to find. When I found mine here in the DC area (about 15 years ago), I wound up sending a few to my father in Ohio for him and some diabetic friends. . . Of course, I think TSA should be a little more curious about a container with a hollow middle and two vials inside, but I imagine they see them all the time. I travel frequently, and was only ever asked about my container at a small airport in Nebraska.

By the way, if there isn't a fridge already in your room, Disney will be happy to supply one for your insulin. As posted previously, they also do sharps containers.

My biggest traveling necessity as a diabetic -- portable snacks in case of travel delays and low blood sugars. My favorite are granola bars -- they travel well and do the trick for me.

Judy

 

[ducklite]

Gee, Anne. That was rude. I don't think she thought she was the only diabetic to fly. However, never having flown with a diabetic before, I can understand that she knows nothing about it. She was looking for help, not pity.

I wasn't offering pity. My point is that so many people ask about medical devices as if they are these rare and unusual things that no one has ever seen. With all the diabetics who carry insulin or wear a pump, the asthmatics who use a nebulizer, etc. there's very little that the TSA workers haven't seen and people don't have to worry. Additionally, if people would simply take the time to go to the web site of their carrier, it's spelled out quite clearly what is and is not allowed in carry on and checked bags.

Anne

 

[PLUTO2]

I wasn't offering pity. My point is that so many people ask about medical devices as if they are these rare and unusual things that no one has ever seen. With all the diabetics who carry insulin or wear a pump, the asthmatics who use a nebulizer, etc. there's very little that the TSA workers haven't seen and people don't have to worry. Additionally, if people would simply take the time to go to the web site of their carrier, it's spelled out quite clearly what is and is not allowed in carry on and checked bags.

Anne

I'm sorry Anne. I thought these message boards were to get feedback from other people besides doing all the searches. Yes I have taken the time to do searches and contact the airlines, but as has been mentioned before on these boards the best advice and tips are from people who have experienced what is new for other people

 

[zurgswife]

I wasn't offering pity. My point is that so many people ask about medical devices as if they are these rare and unusual things that no one has ever seen. With all the diabetics who carry insulin or wear a pump, the asthmatics who use a nebulizer, etc. there's very little that the TSA workers haven't seen and people don't have to worry. Additionally, if people would simply take the time to go to the web site of their carrier, it's spelled out quite clearly what is and is not allowed in carry on and checked bags.

Anne

But if it is your first time traveling with all the diabetic stuff...you are overwhelmed. I'm sure if you just kindly reminded her that the info is on each carrier site, the OP would have been grateful. Most times abrupt comments on posts come off as rude. I'm not sure if you meant to be, but your comments did come off as rude. The person was just nervous and wanted some advice.

 

[Talking Hands]

Pluto come over to the DISabilities board and people there will gladly answer your questions

 

[PLUTO2]

Thank you Talking Hands.

 

[bytheblood]

I wasn't offering pity. Anne

Trust me, nobody thought you were offering pity.

I'm sorry Anne. I thought these message boards were to get feedback from other people besides doing all the searches. Yes I have taken the time to do searches and contact the airlines, but as has been mentioned before on these boards the best advice and tips are from people who have experienced what is new for other people

There is no reason for you to apologize. You did the right thing. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have other questions. That is what most of us come here for.