Declaring at an airport with Diabetes

TSA specifically states that diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medications, including liquids, are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. Passengers should declare these items and separate them from other belongings before screening begins.

1. Do diabetics need a letter to fly?
2. Does flying affect diabetes?
3. Do I need a doctor's note to fly with insulin?
4. How do you pack diabetic supplies for air travel?
5. Can diabetics bring food on a plane?
6. How can I get a diabetic card?
7. Are bananas good for a diabetic?
8. Does altitude affect diabetes?
9. Is peanut butter good for diabetic?
10. What should diabetics carry with them?
11. Can I bring snacks on a plane?
12. How long can insulin be out of fridge?

Do diabetics need a letter to fly?

Medical Letter

If you are travelling with medication or medical devices you should obtain a letter from your GP or diabetic specialist in order to transit through security/customs. This letter can also help if you need to replace lost/damaged/stolen medication or seek medical attention abroad.

Does flying affect diabetes?

If your trip involves a flight, you might wonder how type 1 diabetes will complicate the hassles of air travel. But if you plan well, diabetes doesn't have to keep you grounded. True, flight delays and changes in routine -- even the hours spent sitting rather than being active -- can affect your blood sugar.

Do I need a doctor's note to fly with insulin?

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.

How do you pack diabetic supplies for air travel?

Packing: Put your diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag (insulin could get too cold in your checked luggage). Think about bringing a smaller bag to have at your seat for insulin, glucose tablets, and snacks. Pack twice as much medicine as you think you'll need.

Can diabetics bring food on a plane?

TSA specifically states that diabetes-related supplies, equipment and medications, including liquids, are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. Passengers should declare these items and separate them from other belongings before screening begins.

How can I get a diabetic card?

The card (which is shown at actual size) costs £14.99 if applied for online or via application form. You can download the application form from the MediPAL website or call their 24 hour help line on 0845 603 4604 to request one. I asked the Diabetes Specialist Nurse at my local clinic.

Are bananas good for a diabetic?

Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized diet plan. A person with diabetes should include fresh, plant food options in the diet, such as fruits and vegetables. Bananas provide plenty of nutrition without adding many calories.

Does altitude affect diabetes?

There have been studies that suggest that higher altitudes can cause insulin resistance due to carbohydrates not being metabolized as effectively. This can be another cause of high blood sugar and it can also lead to ketones/ketoacidosis in extreme cases.

Is peanut butter good for diabetic?

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

What should diabetics carry with them?

If you inject insulin for your diabetes, you'll want to have these supplies on hand:

• Insulin.
• Syringes, or disposable or reusable insulin pens.
• Needles.
• A sharps container for safely disposing of needles.
• Glucose tablets or gels.
• 2 glucagon shot kits.

Can I bring snacks on a plane?

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

How long can insulin be out of fridge?

Insulin products contained in vials or cartridges supplied by the manufacturers (opened or unopened) may be left unrefrigerated at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F for up to 28 days and continue to work.