Owais Crawford
Travelling with diabetes can be stressful, but with some preparation, you can ensure a smooth journey. If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to manage your health, you may be wondering if it's possible to bring it with you to the airport. The good news is that you absolutely can! However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a hassle-free experience. Firstly, inform the TSA or relevant airport security about your diabetes and any devices you are carrying before the screening process begins. While insulin can pass through X-ray machines, CGM devices may malfunction if exposed to them, so request a hand inspection or alternative screening method if possible. Keep your insulin, medication, and supplies in your carry-on bag, as storing them in checked luggage can expose them to extreme temperatures and pressure changes. Lastly, remember to bring snacks to manage your blood sugar levels during the flight and any necessary chargers for your CGM device.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I bring a blood sugar monitor to the airport? | Yes, you can bring a blood sugar monitor to the airport. |
| What about insulin? | Insulin can be brought through airport security, but it should not be placed in checked baggage as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature. |
| What about other diabetes-related supplies? | Diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication (including liquids) are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened by X-ray or hand inspection. |
| What about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)? | CGMs may malfunction if exposed to X-ray machines or full-body scanners. They are safe to store in carry-on bags but avoid packing sensors in checked luggage. |
| Do I need to inform airport security about my diabetes-related devices? | Yes, inform the TSA officer about any diabetes supplies, equipment, or medication you are carrying. If you prefer discretion, a disability notification card can be filled out and handed to the TSA employee. |
| Any tips for traveling with diabetes? | Keep diabetes supplies in your carry-on bag. Bring a quick-acting source of glucose and a healthy snack to manage blood sugar levels. Consider bringing an insulated bag with a cold pack to keep insulin cool. |
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What You'll Learn
Diabetes supplies and devices are allowed at the airport
Diabetes can be challenging to manage while travelling, but with some preparation, you can ensure a smooth journey. Diabetes supplies and devices are typically allowed at the airport and on the plane, but there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is recommended to inform the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) about your diabetes before you arrive at the airport or, at the very least, before the security check process begins. You can do this discreetly by using a disability notification card. Additionally, pack all your diabetes supplies together in your carry-on bag, ensuring they are easily accessible. This includes items such as insulin, syringes, medication, glucose meters, test strips, and any other equipment you may need.
Insulin and certain devices, such as insulin pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), are typically allowed through security checkpoints. However, it is important to note that CGMs may malfunction if exposed to X-ray machines or full-body scanners. Therefore, if you are wearing or carrying a CGM, inform the TSA so they can arrange alternative screening options, such as a hand inspection or hand-wand scanner. It is also advised to bring a doctor's note or prescription for your insulin and any other medications.
To maintain stable blood glucose levels during travel, it is recommended to plan ahead. Bring a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood sugar and pack healthy snacks like nuts, hard-boiled eggs, protein boxes, or vegetables and dip. If you experience high blood sugar, opt for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar snacks. Remember that stress, changes in altitude, eating on the go, fatigue, and atmospheric pressure can all impact your blood sugar levels, so be prepared and consider bringing a hypoglycaemia kit.
By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can ensure that your diabetes supplies and devices are allowed at the airport and that you can manage your diabetes effectively throughout your journey.
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Insulin and medication can be brought on the plane
If you are travelling with diabetes, you are permitted to bring your insulin and medication on the plane. Insulin is allowed to pass through X-ray machines at airport security, but if you have concerns about this, you can request a hand inspection instead. Insulin should not be placed in checked baggage, as changes in pressure and temperature may affect it.
You may also bring an unlimited number of unused syringes, so long as they are accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication. You can also bring an unlimited number of used syringes, provided they are transported in a Sharps disposal container or a similar hard-surface container.
Other medication and supplies you can bring include:
- Lancets
- Blood glucose meters and test strips
- Alcohol swabs
- Meter-testing solutions
- Insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kit, catheter and needles)
- Glucagon
- Quick-acting sources of glucose to treat low blood sugar
- Easy-to-carry snacks, such as nutrition bars
It is recommended that you bring prescription labels for your medication and medical devices, as this will speed up the security process. You should also consider printing out and bringing a TSA Disability Notification Card.
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Glucose monitors and insulin pumps are allowed on the plane
If you are diabetic, you can carry anything you need for diabetes care and management on your person. This includes glucose monitors and insulin pumps, which are allowed on the plane. However, it is important to be aware of a few things when travelling with these devices.
Firstly, it is recommended to inform the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) about your diabetes before arriving at the airport. You can do this by letting the TSA officers know before the security check process begins. If you prefer to be more discreet, there is a disability notification card that you can fill out and hand to the TSA employee.
Secondly, while insulin and glucose monitors are allowed on the plane, they must be properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. If you are wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), be aware that it may malfunction if exposed to X-ray machines or full-body scanners. You can request a hand inspection or alternative security screening options instead. Do not send your CGM through the X-ray machine, and always keep it in your carry-on bag.
Additionally, it is important to keep your insulin with you in your carry-on bag, as storing it in checked luggage could expose it to severe changes in pressure and temperature, potentially damaging it. Before boarding, make sure to inspect your insulin and glucose monitor to ensure they are functioning properly.
Finally, when travelling with diabetes, it is essential to plan and prepare. Bring a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood sugar, as well as easy-to-carry snacks like nuts, hard-boiled eggs, protein boxes, or vegetables and dip. If you experience high blood sugar, pack low-carbohydrate, low-sugar snacks. Also, consider bringing a hypoglycaemia kit and a charger for your glucose monitor.
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Glucose monitors may malfunction if exposed to X-ray machines
People who use glucose monitors and insulin pumps are allowed to bring these devices with them when they travel by plane. However, there are specific protocols to follow when passing through airport security.
Glucose monitors and insulin pumps are considered medical devices, and they should not be screened by airport security scanners or X-ray machines. If you are wearing a glucose monitor, you can pass through common security systems such as airport metal detectors, as this will not harm the device or trigger an alarm. However, if you are carrying a spare glucose monitor, you should inform the security officer and remove it from your bag before the X-ray screening. Glucose monitors should not be sent through X-ray machines, and alternative screening processes, such as hand inspections, should be requested.
Although insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines, it is recommended to keep it with you in your carry-on luggage. Insulin should not be placed in checked baggage, as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature. Before injecting insulin, it is important to inspect it. If you notice anything unusual about its appearance or if your insulin needs change, you should contact your doctor.
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Keep glucose-raising snacks on hand during the flight
If you have diabetes, travelling requires an extra layer of planning beyond the usual preparations of booking flights and hotels. The most common challenges involve changes in diet, activity levels, time zones, and environments, all of which could affect your blood glucose control.
It is important to keep glucose-raising snacks on hand during your flight. The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood sugar, as well as an easy-to-carry snack such as a nutrition bar. Glucose tablets, hard candy, raisins, fruit, or nuts are also good options to have on hand. If you are driving, bring a cooler with healthy foods and plenty of water.
You should also test your blood sugar often. Blood sugars can fluctuate with changes in food, exercise, sleep, stress, hydration, and medications, especially when travelling across time zones. Make sure to check your blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime, and as needed. If you are flying, consider wearing compression stockings or thinner socks during the flight. Wear shoes that can be loosened in case of ankle or feet swelling.
Additionally, be aware that travelling to a higher altitude can raise blood sugar levels. As you go higher, oxygen levels decrease, signalling the body to create additional stress hormones. These hormones interfere with how well the body produces and uses insulin. Your glucose meter may also not be as precise at high altitudes, so adjust your testing and medication as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring a blood sugar monitor through airport security. However, you should inform the TSA so they can arrange alternative security screening options, as CGMs may malfunction if exposed to X-ray machines.
If you have diabetes, you can carry anything you need for diabetes care and management on your person. This includes insulin, syringes, lancets, and other supplies. Keep these items in your carry-on bag and inform the TSA officer conducting the screening about any supplies you have before the screening begins.
Many things can affect your blood sugar while travelling, such as changes in altitude, stress, eating food on the go, fatigue, and atmospheric pressure. If you experience low blood sugar, keep a sugary snack and a hypoglycemia kit with you. If you experience high blood sugar, pack low-carbohydrate, low-sugar snacks.
