How To Get Through Tsa With These 5 Diabetes Devices
Whether it is for business or pleasure, you have to pass through security before boarding your flight. The TSA allows for diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medication—including liquids—through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. If possible, pack all your supplies together in your carry-on bag so you have everything on hand. Before your screening begins, inform the officer conducting the screening about any supplies on you or in your carry-on. Here’s how you can fly through TSA with these 5 diabetes devices! 1. Insulin Pump/Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Taking an insulin pump through airport security is quite common, but it’s always a good idea to carry the Airport Information Card when traveling. You may go through the airport metal detector with your insulin pump and CGM, as these devices are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference. However, we do not recommend going through an airport body scanner with your pump and CGM, as Medtronic has not determined advanced imaging technology to be safe for insulin pump or CGM devices. If you do go through an airport body scanner, be sure to remove your insulin pump and CGM, but do not send your devices through the x-ray machine as an alternative. If you do not wish to remove your devices, explain to the officer that you cannot remove the insulin pump as it is under your skin with a needle, and request an alternative pat-down screening process. 2. Insulin Delivery Devices Be sure to have proof a physician prescribed your insulin and needles by providing a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label identifying the medication. Travel with your original insulin box and glucose meter that shows the pharmaceutical label. You will need these items in Continue reading >>
Travel
Whether for work or pleasure, travel can and should be fun and having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t travel. With good planning, your trip can be safe, fun and hassle-free whether you’re going interstate or overseas. While traveling: Make sure you eat well, consider how different foods will affect you Make sure you check your blood glucose levels regularly For people with type 1 diabetes - carry the right lollies with you (overseas brands may not be as strong) If you are flying, prepare for long delays or misplaced baggage (just in case!) If traveling overseas, time zones and extreme climates may affect you and how you manage your diabetes, talk to your doctor or diabetes educator Below is information on planning your trip, travel insurance, airport regulation, what to ask your doctor, tips on what to pack and flying. Planning your travel itinerary & bookings (Three Months Prior) Plan travel itinerary and make bookings If you wear an electronic device to monitor blood glucose levels or infuse insulin, check with the airline to see if these devices can be operated in-flight Arrange travel insurance for health and belongings Check vaccination requirements When booking your flights, you may choose to tell the airline you have diabetes. This will be passed on to the cabin crew who are trained in meeting your needs during the flight. In general, ‘diabetic’ meals served in-flight can be quite bland and no longer necessary. However you may choose to order meals that are low in saturated fat and high in fibre and carbohydrate at the time you make your bookings. Be sure to make arrangements in advance so that you comply with Australian airline security regulations specifically for people with diabetes. The regulations are: You must carry all diabetes supplies includin Continue reading >>
Traveling With Kidsand Type 1
Brought to you by Lilly Diabetes | Disney The last time we took all four kids on a plane was a day to remember, and we didnt even have to deal with type 1 diabetes at the time. We had just ended a fabulous trip to Hawaii, and it was time to load up our kids and take the red-eye back to L.A. Getting our 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year-olds (well after bedtime) through check-in and security, up to the gate, and on the plane with all our car seats, carry-ons and diaper bags was hard enough. But then we had to make it through the five-hour flight. My kids have always been good car travelers, but when we thought about the fact that wed be on a plane with hundreds of other people who would be trying to get some sleep, we knew it might be a different story entirely. Luckily, the kids ended up doing awesome! With the help of DVD players, coloring books, snacks and Sippy cups, they were quiet and calm and slept for most of the flight. There was one moment when I woke up to see that my 5-year-old had flopped over to the other side of her seat and was lying against the gentleman sitting next to her. Thank goodness he was very kind and hardly seemed to notice! When we finally landed in LAX at 5 in the morning, my husband was actually applauded as people saw him carry both our two youngest sleeping kidsone in each armalong with two other big bags on his back. I was loaded up as well, carrying the rest of the luggage and a car seat while trying to lead our two other very sleepy kids down the aisle. To be honest, we havent gotten on a plane with our kids since Kaitlyn was diagnosed. Its not about the diabetes, but just figuring out how it will make sense financially and logistically. It wont be long, though, before we convince ourselves that taking the kids on an amazing trip is worth all the Continue reading >>
Everything You Need To Know About Traveling With Diabetes
Having diabetes does not mean you should be within the confines of your home. By doing some smart planning and thorough preparation, you can go anywhere whether it is a camping excursion, a cross-country train adventure, a relaxing cruise, or a trip to various countries. Although vacations can be fun and rewarding, you have to be aware that traveling can be stressful to your body as you stray away from your daily routine and diet plan. At the same time, foreign surrounding may also put your psychological well-being into an anxious state. All these changes can contribute to a fluctuation in your blood glucose level. To help you prepare for your upcoming trip, whether by car, air or boat, we have compiled an ultimate guide of useful information to educate you better on various topics concerning traveling with diabetes: Is it Safe to Travel as a Person with Diabetes? “Is it safe to travel?” is the first question you should ask yourself and your doctor before you start to think of planning a trip. To avoid unexpected health issues that could possibly arise during your journey, you should consider going for a medical examination to ensure your diabetes is in stable condition and you are physically well to travel. It is important for you to ask your doctor whether you are fit to travel in your current condition as it can play a crucial role when purchasing your itinerary as well as your travel and health insurance. You should always request that your doctor put his professional opinion in writing so that if you need to cancel your trip as a result of sudden health emergency situation, you have the doctor’s letter as a proof of evidence and get compensation for any incurred loss from your insurance company. For more diabetes related information: Aside from the profession Continue reading >>
6 Tips For Safe Overseas Travel When You Have Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a patient’s pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that enables a person to derive energy from the food they consume. Essentially, the body’s natural immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells – called the beta cells – in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes strikes children and adults at any age, causing dependence on insulin injections or pumped insulin for life. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), as many as three million Americans have Type 1 diabetes and the prevalence in those under age 20 appears to be rising. Travelers with Type 1 diabetes face a wide range of risks that have little effect on healthy travelers. Some of those risks include: Changes in physical activity Meals away from your typical diet Too much or too little sleep Impact of stress Even something as simple as a mild sunburn can have an affect on a diabetic traveler’s blood sugar level and cause a range of problems. Before any trip, a traveler with Type 1 diabetes has to take extra precautions. See the following tips for a safe trip when you have Type 1 diabetes. 1. See your Doctor Ahead of Time Your regular doctor will be able to give you some support including: A letter to explain your insulin pump, injection supplies, etc. A prescription for any medications you need If you need immunizations for your trip, you’ll want to have those well ahead of time and with your regular doctor so you have plenty of time to recover before you leave. See our Essential Pre-travel Health Checklist for additional tips. You should have more than enough insulin, syringes, test strips, and other supplies for your trip, but pack extra in case you experience a need for more insulin. 2. Be Prepared for an Continue reading >>
Top 10 Tips For Travelling With A Type One Diabetic Child
Top 10 Tips For Travelling With a Type One Diabetic Child Top 10 Tips For Travelling With a Type One Diabetic Child I may not be a parent yet myself, but I know plenty of mothers and fathers who worry about taking their child away on a trip if they have type 1 diabetes. Calling all Parents of Type 1 diabetics! This one is for you. Having achild with type 1 diabetics is quite common; did you know the UK has the 5thhighest rate of type 1 diabetes in Children with the USA following in at 6th! If you arecurious as to where your country ranks, check out this interesting tableprovided by Diabetes UK . Taking yourfirst family holiday with a child with type 1 diabetes can be daunting, but itis not impossible! The key to an amazing family getaway is like all things inlife preparation; here are my top 10 tips to ensuring your holiday goessmoothly. 1. Bring lots of supplies. Depending on the length of your trip,you are going to need extra supplies- as a general rule of thumb; I alwaysrecommend and personally take three times the amount needed and split suppliesbetween two people. This means you are prepared for any situation that comesyour way- I always say its better to be safe than sorry. (If your child is onan insulin pump, many pump manufactures will offer a spare one to bring onholiday, just give them a call to find out) 2. Hypo packs. Prepare a hypo pack, this could bein a little lunch box that is filled with their favourite snack and sweets totake during a hypo. This will be perfectfor days out and long car journeys. 3. Carry and wear medical ID. No matter how hard you try, sometimesyour child can get lost in a crowd, and in the moments of separation, you needto be prepared, you will already be terrified they arent with you, so dontadd to the stress with something diabetes Continue reading >>
Traveling With Type 1 Diabetes
Is your mind spinning with details when just thinking about travel? How to get there? Where to stay? What will it cost? What are the food options? What activities or sights to see? What clothes to pack for the climate? Who will water the plants and take care of the pets? All of my diabetic supplies are packed all the time. Yes, I keep my bags packed and ready to go because really, who wants to worry about another thing when you have so many other details to coordinate before travel? I travel frequently, and often for long lengths of time. Due to this, I’ve developed a 3-tier packing system based on the amount of time I’ll be traveling. The System I’ve Developed A small eBags packing cube to carry 2-14 days worth of supplies A carry-on business shoulder bag for up to 3 months of travel A carry-on roller suitcase for all of my remaining diabetic supplies (This is what I use when traveling for more than 3 months and for international moves.) Plan Your Supplies When starting to plan, always account for double the supplies that you would normally use at home. For example, over 7 days at home, I would use 2-3 insulin pump infusion sets depending on when I last changed it. For 7 days of travel, I’d pack 4-6 infusion sets. If you might not need an item during your time of travel (for example, a Dexcom transmitter that should last for 3 months), pack a spare just in case. I use both an insulin pump and Dexcom CGM, so your necessary and preferred supplies may be different than mine. Here is what I pack for a 7-day trip: DEXCOM: Dexcom Transmitter (spare) Dexcom Sensors (2) Dexcom Receiver (if you use one) Charging cord for Dexcom receiver (and adapters if needed) Opsite Flexifix, precut to fit over Dexcom Transmitter (4) Skin Tac wipes (4) Uni-Solve wipes (4) PUMP: Pump I Continue reading >>
Flying With Type 1 Diabetes
Brought to you by Lilly Diabetes | Disney My children have never been in an airplane not even James, and hes almost 14. Now, dont feel too badly for us. We do lots of cool stuff, and were not completely deprived. I mean, we go to Disneyland regularly, have tons of fun cousins around, and can see the (very tiniest) corner of the Pacific Ocean from our backyard. Im of the impression that every family has some ways that they are very fortunate, and my kids have a pretty good life. We just havent yet had the opportunity to go on vacations or trips where we fly in airplanes. Thats why James and I are so excited about our upcoming trip. In a few weeks well be heading out together to visit our nations capital, Washington, D.C. And were flying! While James has never flown, my travel opportunities since becoming a mom have been broader, though not by much. I did fly internationally last month, and it made me realize that the process with a child with type 1 diabetes might be a little complicated. I thought it was worth poking around and figuring out what kinds of things we could do to make for the best first experience getting through an airport. To find out the best tips for flying, I took to the internet for sure, but I also give a lot of credit to my super-awesome group of real-life moms of kids with type 1 diabetes. Some of these families fly very frequently (thats their familys fortunate thing!). It was great to start a conversation with my friends and get some of their best hints, which I want to share. First, my friends were emphatic that any discussion or list such as this cannot really replace the direct guidance you can get from the TSA website. They have a section for people with diabetes. Go there for the most updated information. Also, if youre traveling with a dev Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Travel - Diabetes Can't Stop Me!
If you have diabetes you will understand the anxiety that can arise when planning a trip away from home or out of your usual routine. Many people worry about how they will manage their diabetes in an environment that is unpredictable. How will you get meals that you can eat, when you need them? How will you get through airport security? Will the weather impact on your blood glucose levels? And how about keeping insulin and medications at the right temperature? These and many other questions can run through your mind when thinking about travelling with diabetes. If you have not had diabetes for long and/or have never travelled since getting diabetes, these concerns can even prevent you from going away. Having diabetes doesnt mean your travelling days are over! Like many other situations in life with diabetes, to make sure you have safe, healthy and enjoyable trip it is important to plan ahead and consider all aspects of your journey such as weather, time zones, length of transit time, access to meals, the amount of activity you will be undertaking and potential adjustment to medications and insulin. Consider how much medication, insulin, blood glucose monitoring supplies, batteries and so on and making sure you have more than enough, is also critical. Many people with diabetes travel across the world. If travelling locally and you are driving: Pan plenty of rest stops, opportunities to check your blood glucose levels and stock up on carbohydrates. Dont drive long distances without keeping tabs on what is happening with your blood glucose. Share the driving with your travelling companions if possible. If travelling to tropical or hot regions, be aware that some people find their insulin works faster under these conditions. Travel in general can play havoc with your blood Continue reading >>
Travel With T1d
Traveling is one of lifes great pleasures and people with T1Dare taking off and exploring the world with ferocity. The key to getting the most from a trip borrows from the Boy Scout adage: Be Prepared. If you have T1D you can go anywhere and do anything, you just need strategies firmly in place. 1. Whether traveling for work orpleasure, know your destination. People with diabetes live everywhere and they all need supplies. Just make certain you know where to find them and how to seek medical help if needed! For English speakers the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers is a great source. 2. Check with your health insurance to understand if you have coverage at your destination. Purchase additional travel insurance if needed, with coverage for pre-existing conditions. 3. Gather your arsenal of supplies and dont pack light! Go for twice as many supplies as you normally would need. Its smart to split supplies between two bags a carry-on and a suitcase, for example in case of loss or theft, but keep insulin in your hand held luggage to protect from cargo bay temperatures. Include: Any parts of a pump that might get damaged or malfunction. (Many pump companies will provide a loaner pump for overseas travel at no extra cost.) If you pick up insulin abroad buy new syringes as well. (American insulin and syringes come U-100, while other countries sell U-40 or U-80.) Understand what you are injecting! 4. Identify yourself! Carry a letter from your doctor with your care routine and wear a medical ID bracelet or tags. 5. Know your rights especially when traveling through airport security. Feel free to identify your needs to the agent in charge before approaching the scanner. You are allowed to carry your medical supplies, including emergency juice and liqu Continue reading >>
Travel Smart With Type 1 Diabetes | Everyday Health
Everyday Solutions are created by Everyday Health on behalf of our partners. More Information Content in this special section was created or selected by the Everyday Health editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to Everyday Healths editorial standards for accuracy, objectivity, and balance. The sponsor does not edit or influence the content but may suggest the general topic area. There's no need to stay home if you have type 1 diabetes. Use these diabetes management tips before you leave and while you're away for safe, enjoyable travel. Vacation should be a time to leave your cares behind, yet having type 1 diabetes may make traveling stressful. But that doesn't mean you have to stay home, wishing everyone else a nice trip. With a little preparation and flexibility, you can go ahead and pack your bags, too. Traveling With Type 1 Diabetes: The Basics Whether youre traveling by land, air, or sea, advanced planning is always a good idea with type 1 diabetes. Here's how to prepare for your trip: Bring a doctors note. Ask your doctor to spell out your medical need for insulin and the supplies required, says Toby Smithson, RDN, LDN, CDE, a certified diabetes educator, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the author of Diabetes Meal Planning and Nutrition for Dummies. Make sure you have your doctors phone number in case you have a question or need to contact a pharmacy. If you wear an insulin pump or a continuous glucose meter, be prepared for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at the airport to inspect these devices. Keep your medication with you. Be sure to carry all medications and supplies in your purse or carry-on bag in case your checked bags get lost or are handled roughly. Stowing insul Continue reading >>
Travel & Diabetes
People with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can travel all over the world – diabetes is no barrier. Make the right preparations and you should be able to minimise any potential problems. The diet for people with diabetes is the same healthy diet recommended for everyone so you should be able to choose items from the usual menu while away from home. If you are travelling alone, you may like to let the staff know when you check in as a precaution in case you become unwell during your stay. Things to check before you go Carry diabetes ID and a letter from your GP, which says you have diabetes and the medication you need to treat it if you are carrying insulin or an injectable medication. Take twice the quantity of medical supplies you would normally use for your diabetes. Find out where you can get supplies of insulin at your destination, in case of emergency. Contact your insulin manufacturer before the trip to see if your insulin is supplied in the country you are travelling to. It's also worth checking that it is sold under the same name. You can get your prescription sent to your destination by courier. Flights often cross time zones. If you treat your diabetes with medication or insulin, it’s important you check with your diabetes care team. If you need to make any changes to your regime be mindful that a hot or cold climate may affect how your insulin and blood glucose monitor work. Apply for the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are travelling to a European Union member country – it will ensure that you have easy access to healthcare in that country. Apply for your card on theEHIC page on the NHS choices website, by calling 0845 605 0707, or fill in a pack at the Post Office. Beware of websites which offer to take care of the application for yo Continue reading >>
Lessons Learned While Traveling
I've lived with type 1 diabetes for the past 18 years and I travel by plane for business or pleasure (or both...) almost monthly. You probably think that by now I'd have traveling with diabetes down pat. But in true diabetes fashion, I'm constantly learning and re-learning D-management tweaks all the time — especially when on the go! The Insulin Debacle This past weekend, my husband and I traveled to Phoenix for a family wedding. It was the end of March and it was my second time packing a suitcase that month. Feeling confident and prepared to travel to the Southwest, we were off! While on the plane, my insulin pump alarmed that my reservoir (the drum that holds insulin) was low, and I'd need a refill soon. I checked and had enough basal to get by for a few more hours, so I decided to wait until lunch rather than dig through my carry-on suitcase. When we arrived in Phoenix, we were starving, so we headed to a local Mexican restaurant with excellent reviews. Settled in with a full basket of chips just calling my name, now was the perfect time to fill up with insulin. But it was still in my suitcase. "Hey honey, could you run to the car and grab my insulin and a reservoir?" I asked my husband as I took out my meter to test. Minutes later, he returned, handing me the reservoir with one hand while fishing out the bottle of Humalog with the other. Or at least, that's what I thought he was doing. Next thing I know, the bottle of insulin is rolling out of my husband's hand and onto the table, and then rolling off the table and onto the tile floor of the restaurant, landing with a loud Crack! Yikes! As I picked up the bottle, I could feel the cool liquid dripping down my hand. The bottle of insulin? Destroyed. Completely totaled. No chance of survival. A gash in the bottom of Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Travel -- 10 Tips For A Safe Trip
If you have diabetes, preparing for even daily activities can require advanced planning. So how do you prepare for travel, which can disrupt your diabetes care routine? Here are 10 tips for traveling when you have diabetes. #1 -- Keep your supplies close at hand. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, make sure your diabetes supplies are easily accessible. If you’re flying, be sure to put all of your supplies in your carry-on bags. Back-up insulin should also be kept in your carry-on, because checked baggage can be exposed to extreme cold or heat that can spoil insulin, and ruin glucometers. If you're using a device to keep your insulin cool, be sure it is a cold pack, and not a freezer pack--freezing insulin destroys its efficacy. The same rules apply for storing supplies while driving or on a train. #2 – Try to stick to your routine. Traveling can really throw people with diabetes off schedule, and at no fault of their own. The delay of a flight may mean sitting on the runway for hours, or if you’re traveling out of your time zone, it may mean feeling hungry when you should be asleep. When you have diabetes, you need to think ahead and stick to your routine as much as possible. If you pack extra snacks for the plane, you may want to store them in an insulated bag with an ice pack. Tracey Lucier, Nutrition Educator at Joslin Diabetes Center, also recommends writing your seat number on the bag and asking a member of the cabin crew to store it a refrigerated trolley. For a list of snacks that don’t need a cooler for storage, check out the list at right. #3 -- Get documentation. Carry a note from your doctor stating that you have diabetes, and need to have your medication with you at all times. If you’re going to a country where they speak a Continue reading >>
The Beginner’s Guide To Traveling With Type 1 Diabetes
A big welcome to The Blonde Abroad’s new Type 1 Diabetes Travel Expert: I’m Cazzy Magennis, a travel writer whose goal is to inspire, motivate and reassure fellow diabetics that despite the hard times, and the down days, we can still achieve everything we want to in life– including travelling to anywhere in the world. I’ve partnered with The Blonde Abroad to bring you the best tips and guides for managing diabetes while travelling around the world! If you aren’t diabetic but are curious as to what it is and would like to learn more, then read more here. So, you have type 1 diabetes, its stressful and but you don’t want it to hold you back… then don’t! Travelling and exploring the world is a beautiful thing, and nothing should stop you; with careful planning and consideration you too can explore everywhere you want to. This is what I did, I don’t let diabetes slow me down, I work hard, and I travel, not without issues, but that’s all part of life. Here’s my step-by-step guide to get you traveling with Type 1 diabetes! Unfortunately if your control is bad and you are constantly in hospital, or in severe hypos, then I definitely would not recommend travelling just yet! Try and get yourself in better control by discussing options with your Diabetic specialist nurse or doctor, get yourself in better health as to minimize any complications when you are away. However, if you are having the usual random highs and lows with type one diabetes… then that’s nothing to stop you– I am not perfect, but I travel fine. You know yourself! Remember your health is the most important thing… if you don’t have it, you can’t explore! Before you go on an adventure, let your diabetic team know you are heading away– they can give you advice on the type of clima Continue reading >>
