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.
Traveling through an airport for the first time after a diabetes diagnosis may leave patients wondering how to prepare for going through security with insulin and other supplies. The good news is that today, TSA agents are aware of the supplies, equipment, and medications that travelers with diabetes require. A doctor’s note is not required, but you will need to be prepared in other ways:
- Keep carry-on diabetes medications and supplies together. This is not required but may make your security checkpoint experience faster. Injectable medications are not required to go same re-sealable bag designated for other liquids such as toiletries.
- When possible bring medications and supplies with the label; however this is not mandatory.
- Never place insulin or other injectable medications in checked bags.
- Juice packs, gels, and liquid glucose are allowed through security for those with diabetes; however for the sake of time it is best to have a non-liquid form of glucose when going through the screening process.
- If you are using an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor, confirm with the company what security equipment can or cannot be used to screen devices. Many cannot go thought an x-ray device. Failure to do so may result in damage to pump and sensor equipment.
- You have the right to refuse a body scan and request a pat-down without having to disconnect from your pump or CGM. When in doubt, this is the safest way to ensure the function of your device.
- Consider bringing back-up supplies in case you lose your meter or drop a vial of insulin.
Prior to travel you can contact 1-855-782-2227 to speak with a TSA representative if you have additional questions. If you encounter difficulty during the screening process and need assistance, you can 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.