Flying with Diabetes

By ADW|2025-01-21T08:59:23-05:00Updated: January 9th, 2025|Diabetes Management, General Information|0 Comments
  • A woman with luggage at an airport

Flying with diabetes requires proper planning and preparation. We’re here to explain everything you need to know about air travel and diabetes so you can avoid delays and disruptions and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Here’s everything you need to know before boarding!

Inform TSA of Your Condition and Supplies

National security concerns mean most passengers are checked at the airport. You should declare all medical items at the checkpoint and inform personnel if you wear an insulin pump. You don’t have to disconnect your insulin pump to be screened. TSA agents may check you by touching your body and using imaging technology and/or a metal detector.

When flying with diabetic supplies, store them in a quart-sized plastic bag so they’re kept separate from the rest of your items. Keep them in your carry-on bag so they’re easily accessible for screening and potential emergencies. Never pack any supplies or medications in your check-in luggage.

Certain items might be screened by hand or X-ray. If you don’t want your medications or other personal items to be X-rayed, inform the officer beforehand.

Bring Backup Supplies

Always include backup insulin and extra supplies, including a backup loaner pump if you use an insulin pump. Bring at least twice as many items as you think you’ll actually need when flying with diabetes. If you must purchase insulin abroad, be aware of the changes in volume and syringe sizes.

Pay Attention to Temperature

A woman using an insulin penNever let your medication or supplies get too hot or cold. Use insulin coolers or purpose-designed diabetic wallets to keep insulin chilled. Avoid freezer packs, as freezing insulin ruins its efficacy. In addition to air travel, diabetes supplies will also need to be stored properly when you arrive at your destination.

Follow Your Usual Self-Management Routine

Try to stay as close to your regular routine as possible during your trip. As you get ready for flying with diabetes, don’t forget to pack snacks for the flight. You can keep them in an insulated bag with a freezer pack or pack non-perishable snacks. Carry glucose products such as tablets, shots, or gels, so you’re always prepared to treat low blood sugar levels. Stay extra hydrated on the plane with water.

Talk to a Health Care Professional Before Leaving

Make an appointment with a health care professional before you leave on vacation. Inquire about schedule changes and the administration of insulin and other medications. Talk about time zones and changes in insulin timing and amounts.

When flying with diabetes, carry a note from your doctor that states that you have diabetes and must have medication with you at all times. If you’re visiting a foreign country, have a translation of the note in the local language. Give a copy of the note to the people traveling with you in case of emergencies.

Inform Travel Companions About Your Condition

Be vocal about having diabetes, and let the people you’re traveling with know about what you must do to stay healthy. Advise them about how to handle emergencies.

Wear a medical identification bracelet when you air travel with diabetes. Even if you’re flying with diabetic supplies that show your name, it’s important that your information is readily available should an emergency occur. The bracelet should state that you have diabetes and list an emergency contact number. Additionally, enter an emergency contact number on your cell phone in case you’re unable to communicate.

Exercise Caution When Eating & Drinking

Be aware of the servings of carbohydrates in the new foods you may eat. Research local foods and drinks before you go on vacation to find out the best choices. Use diabetes testing kits to check your blood sugar before and after meals to see how foods are affecting your blood sugar levels. Even though you’re flying with diabetes, it’s especially important to keep your blood glucose in check when you’re in unfamiliar environments.

Be Aware of Time Zone Changes

Two men looking at an airport flight scheduleKeep track of time zone changes and adjust your diabetes management routine accordingly. If you’re traveling to another time zone, your insulin pump’s clock will need to be changed. Discuss these changes with a health care professional before you go on vacation. You may also want to research English-speaking health care professionals if you’re traveling to a foreign country.

Take Care of Your Body

Traveling often means walking around and sightseeing. Protect your feet by wearing foot care products, such as diabetic socks and comfortable shoes. When flying with diabetes, don’t overlook everyday essentials that improve your quality of life. When it comes to air travel and diabetes, think about the big picture—not just the flight there and back.

Bring other footwear options, such as water shoes to wear at the beach or pool and slippers to wear in your room. Besides taking care to protect your feet, be sure to check them regularly for blisters, redness, cuts, and swelling. Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Consider Signing Up for Global Entry

You may want to look into Global Entry, which is a program that allows you to skip long security lines after being screened privately and pay a 5-year fee. This is especially helpful if you plan on flying with diabetic supplies regularly.

Check Your Health Insurance Policy

Look into your health insurance policy prior to traveling. In addition to making sure that it’s up to date, you may decide to supplement your policy with more insurance or with a plan for evacuation in case there’s a serious problem.

Save on High-Quality Diabetes Essentials Today

Before heading out on your next adventure, stock up on essentials for less at ADW Diabetes. From insulin syringes and diabetes lancets to CGM supplies and insulin pump supplies, we carry everything you need to enjoy a safe trip.

For more information about flying with diabetes, read this helpful blog: Traveling With Insulin: Tips for Packing Essentials and Managing Diabetes on the Go. When it comes to air travel, diabetes doesn’t have to be a major obstacle. Just make sure you plan carefully. Order discount diabetic supplies for your next getaway!

About the Author: ADW

ADW Diabetes is a diabetic supply mail order company that is dedicated to keeping diabetes management affordable. ADW takes a leading role in offering free diabetic education through Destination Diabetes, an informational component of the ADW website featuring tips and advice from diabetes and nutrition experts, diabetic recipes and more.

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