Dear
Question Corner: I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and am taking an
airplane flight for the first time since my diagnosis. Do I need a
doctor’s note? How do I prepare for going through the security gate with my
insulin and supplies? –Weary Traveler
Dear
Weary Traveler: No need to be weary! Today,
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) agents are aware of the need for
medical supplies, equipment, and medications required for travelers with
diabetes. A doctor’s note is not
required, but you will need to be prepared in other ways as listed below:
- Keep carry-on diabetes medications and supplies together. This is not required but may make your security checkpoint experience faster and less stressful.
- Injectable medications are not required to go in the same re-sealable bag designated for other liquids such as toiletries.
- When possible bring medications and supplies with the original label; however, this is not mandatory.
- Never place insulin or other injectable medications in checked bags.
- Although, juice packs, gels, and liquid glucose are allowed through security for those with diabetes, it is best to have a non-liquid form of glucose to simplify the screening process
- If you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), check with the company about whether security equipment can be used to screen your specific devices. Many of these pumps or monitors cannot go though an xray device. Failure to check on this point can result in damage to pump or sensor equipment.
- You have the right to refuse a body scan and can instead request a pat-down without having to disconnect from your pump or CGM. When in doubt, this is the safest way to ensure the continued function of your device.
- Consider bringing back up supplies, in case you lose your meter or drop a vial of insulin.
- Prior to travel, do not hesitate to contact 1-855-782-2227 to speak with a TSA representative if you have additional questions.
If you
encounter any difficulty during the screening process or need any assistance, don’t
hesitate to contact the TSA center at 1-866-289-9673. Additionally you can contact the American
Diabetes Association at 1-800-Diabetes to report any problems.
This post was written by Camilla Levister, NP, CDE, a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Educator who has experience as an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor trainer. Ms. Levister is a co-investigator for several research studies in diabetes taking place at the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center.
