Is it easy to travel with Diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association has worked closely with the TSA to ensure all diabetes-related supplies can be carried on board by people with diabetes once they have been properly screened by x-ray or hand inspection. The ADA offers the following tips for people traveling with diabetes:

• Arrive at least two to three hours before your flight. Ensure all your supplies, including devices, have a prescription label or you carry a note from your doctor explaining the reason you need these supplies. Place all medications in a clear, sealable bag and keep them separate from your other belongings for screening. Pack twice as much medication as you think you would need
• Carry or wear medical identification and your physician's contact information as well as a quick-acting source of glucose (such as candy, or juice) and a nutrition bar to treat low blood glucose.
• Learn to say "I have diabetes", or "Sugar or orange juice please", in the language of the country you are visiting
• If you use an insulin pump, inform the screening officer of it before screening begins. You will not be required to disconnect the pump; however, the pump itself may be subject to additional screening and possibly explosive trace detection sampling
• If you do not want a liquid, gel, or aerosol X-rayed or opened for additional screening, inform the screening officer before the process begins. However, be aware that medications not cleared by other additional screening means may have to be x-rayed or they may not be allowed on board.

For more information about traveling with diabetes ring TSA Cares (1-855-787-2227) Mon-Fri 9 am-9 pm EST, excluding Federal holidays; or look on their website, www.tsa.gov.

The ADA is also keen to hear from people who believe they have been subjected to overly intrusive screening or treated unfairly just because they have diabetes. If you weren't happy with your experiences contact 1-800-DIABETES and ask to speak with a legal advocate.

Related questions

• What is the safest diabetes medication?
• What foods should I eat or avoid for hypoglycemia?
• Always Hungry? You Might Have One Of These 12 Conditions

Read next

See also:

Related medical questions

• What is the connection between the endocrine system and osteoporosis?
• Which type of insulin has the longest duration of action?
• Zepbound Vs Mounjaro: Complete Comparison Guide for Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment
• Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
• Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?
• What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?
• How long does metformin take to work?
• Mounjaro side effects you need to be aware of
• Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
• How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
• When is the best time to take metformin?
• How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
• Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
• Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
• A1C levels: Dangerous vs normal and how to lower It?
• How long does it take for Mounjaro to start working?
• Can you switch between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
• What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
• Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
• Why does metformin cause diarrhea?
• Saxenda vs Ozempic: For Weight Loss?
• Will my insurance cover the cost of Ozempic?
• How does Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss?
• Basaglar and Lantus - What is the difference between them?
• When should I take Lantus?
• Levemir vs Lantus: What's the difference?
• Does Lantus insulin need to be refrigerated?
• Toujeo vs Lantus - What's the difference between them?
• What is the difference between regular insulin and lispro (Humalog)?
• Humalog vs Novolog (Novalog): What's the difference?

Related support groups

• Diabetes, Type 2 (513 questions, 1,429 members)
• Diabetes, Type 1 (83 questions, 143 members)
• Diabetic Neuropathy (51 questions, 160 members)
• Diabetes Mellitus (21 questions, 24 members)

Medical Disclaimer