Travelling with a diabetic

[tracycd2]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry if this is a much repeated question. This is the first time
I've been on this board.

We are going to Orlando in February with my dad who is a
diabetic, and has never been on a plane before.

How and where should he keep his needle and insulin?

Any information anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Tracy

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES.
Medication and supplies should always be brought in your carry on bags. You don't want to put anything like that into the checked bags because it would cause a problem for you if the baggage is lost or delayed.
If you go to the Transportation Security Administration, go to the "Search" area near the top of the page and search for "diabetes." Here's information copied from the page:
Persons with Diabetes

Notify the screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. The following diabetes-related supplies and equipment are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened:

insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products (vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, pens, infusers, and preloaded syringes);

unlimited number of unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication;

lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions;

insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kit, catheter, and needle);

Glucagon emergency kit;

Urine ketone test strips;

Unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container.


Insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified.

Notify screeners if you are wearing an insulin pump and explain that you cannot go through the METAL DETECTOR or be handwanded. _

Advise the screener that the insulin pump cannot be removed because it is surgically implanted.

Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin with professionally printed labels identifying the medication or manufacturer's name or pharmacy label.

Advise screeners if you are experiencing low blood sugar and are in need of medical assistance.

You have the option of requesting that visual inspection of your insulin and diabetes associated supplies. _See Medication section below for details.

Let Housekeeping at your resort know that you need a sharps container so they can bring one for you.

 

[looo33]

I wear an insukin oumo and have never been told that I can't go through a metal detector..........why would this be?

Also, insulin pumps are not surgically implanted but it would be very impractical to remove it.

 

[looo33]

the above post should read...I wear an insulin pump! LOL

 

[SueM in MN]

Hopefully someone with an insulin pump will answer, but I think the reason that the Transportation Safety Administration website says not to go thru the metal detector is that your insulin pump might set off the detector.
That probably varies with the brand of detector (and/or maybe how old it is) and how sensitive the metal detector is. It's probably easier for the TSA website to just say not to go thru the detector.

The same for them saying insulin pumps are implanted. Some are implanted, others are not. So it is easier for TSA (and safer for you) to just treat them all as not being able to be removed for inspection.

 

[tracycd2]

Thank you so much for your very informative post.
I will make sure that I print out a copy and that my dad
is aware of what exactly he has to do.

Tracy

 

[Ambassador]

Practically speaking, we carry insulin in a smaller cooler pack, which at one time carried baby bottles; we include a few snacks for hypoglycemic lows. Phone Mousekeeping at your resort and ask for a refrigerator for meds and sharps container, provided at no charge. Should your Dad be so inclined, you may phone the Head Chef at each restaurant in advance for special dietary needs, although we have always found healthy, delicious fare ala carte. Bring prescription scripts in case refills are needed.

We have also found that the heat, humidity and exertion from walking a half-marathon each day sends glucose numbers lower than usual. It is best to be prepared in any event at all times.