Important information for Diabetics!!

[KatHuss]

I just found out today that if you are an insulin dependent diabetic and plan on taking syringes on board you will have to do one of two things:

1) Get a DCL medical form and have your doctor put on there that you use syringes. Get this to DCL before you depart so it is in the computer when they load your checked bags. If they see the syringes on the X-ray and you do NOT have that in your record they will check with you before your bags are allowed in board.

2) Put your syringes in your carry-on and have a letter from your doctor stating that you are a diabetic and use the syringes for delivery of your insulin. If you fly you will need this anyway and the folks at DCL prefer it if you have syringes or insulin pump supplies in your carry on in case your luggage is delayed or lost somewhere.

As a result of my conversation this morning I will now be carrying all my supplies in my carry-on so as to avoid issues with my checked bags!

Kat



June 5 is STILL TOOOOOOOO far away!

 

[mmouse37]

This is exactly what my sister did for her DD when we sailed last January. They also brought her a mini real refridgerator for the insulin.

MJ

 

[1stNoel]

It's a good practice to keep diabetic supplies and medication with you in your carry on, all prescription medicines for that matter. You can also ask your pharmacy to print out copies of your prescription labels to take along with you should you lose or run out of something. It makes it a lot easier for a out of town pharmacy to get you an emergency refill if you have the label. With airline security you do not need a doctor's note, BUT you must have the prescriptions in the original packaging with the dispensing label on it.

Here is a list from TSA (airport security) on how to handle diabetic supplies while traveling.

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

2 - Make sure your insulin vials, insulin pens, jet injectors and insulin pump are accompanied by a professionally printed pharmaceutical label identifying the medication (insulin). Since the prescription label is usually on the outside of the box containing the vial of insulin or pens, it is recommended that passengers refrain from discarding their insulin box and come prepared with their insulin in its original pharmaceutically labeled box.

3 - There is no limitation on the number of empty syringes that may be carried through the security checkpoint; however, insulin must be with you in order to carry syringes through the checkpoint.

4 - Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose test strips can be carried through the security checkpoint.
5 - For passengers who test their blood glucose levels, but who do not require insulin, boarding with lancets is acceptable as long as the lancets are capped, and as long as the lancets are brought on board with a glucose meter that has the manufacturer’s name embossed on the meter (i.e. One Touch meters may say “One Touch Ultra”).

6 - Notify screeners if you are wearing an insulin pump and request that they visually inspect the pump rather than removing it from your body.

Have a great trip!

 

[Doctor P]

I have now flown several times since becoming an insulin dependent diabetic. TSA advised me after the first screening that I should just put my diabetic kit through the screener and not even worry about declaring it. I have done so now on about 8 flights without even having to open the kit. Interesting about how DCL is even more cautious. I carry a note from my doctor that I am an insulin dependent diabetic and I carry the box for my insulin with me, too.

 

[KatHuss]

I always carry on my insulin in a box with the prescription on it, and I always carry on my other prescription meds. I am on an insulin pump so must carry more than just little syringes, especially for a 7 day trip! Normally I carry two sets on and pack the rest but I guess I will have to make room in my carry on for all of it this time.

As for the pump, I generally wear a shirt over my pants and they don't seem to notice it. It hasn't triggered any alarms at the checkpoints. When I have worn shirts tucked in I inevitably get asked to "remove the pager" and then I have to show it to them and explain that it is connected!

Ah well, as long as I get on the ship with all my meds, etc I will be happy!!!

Kat

 

[1stNoel]

Hi Kat -

I found a great product to use with the pump. It's made by a company called Aquapaq. It's a soft waterproof casing with a wire port to run the infusion wire through. It's guaranteed waterproof to 15 ft. I like it much so better than the waterproof hard case because I can punch the control buttons through the plastic. Less chance of getting it wet or sandy when it stays in the case all day. I wear it with a tankini and it has a belt clip to attach it to the waistband. I use it frequently and have never had even a slight leak. You can see it at - http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/erol.html
It's under Multi-Purpose Cases and Wallets and is called the Radio Microphone Case. Their other cases are great too.

Good luck and have a great vacation!

Noel

 

[KatHuss]

Thanks, Noel, I will check that out! I have one of the hard cases and it is a pain but it is the only thing I have had for the 8 or 9 years that I have been on the pump (hard to believe it has been that long!).

Kat