Flying by plane generates a lot of uncertainty. But with these tips to travel by plane with diabetes, there will be no transfer to stop you.
Airport security is something that worries when you’re going to fly by plane, and you aren’t used to it. Liquid controls, documentation, sharp objects and a long list of specifications that we aren’t used to. This is more accentuated if you are one of those exceptions that has to go through a special control. But with these tips for air travel with diabetes, there will be no transfer to stop you.
Hand luggage
Our first advice is that you take everything and I repeat EVERYTHING you need to control your diabetes in your hand luggage.
It will seem that you break some regulations when you read on the signs to not carry sharp instruments, and you carry syringes, lancets and other devices. At first, you shouldn’t have a problem with carrying them in your hand luggage, but to make it easier for you, this is what you have to carry in your hand luggage:
A letter from your doctor
The most recommended thing is that you carry a letter written by your doctor stating that you have diabetes and that you have to carry your medications and glucose control systems with you at all times. In this way, it will be easier for you to pass the controls.
Insulin
Insulin must always be in your carry-on bag. Not only doesn’t get hit in the hold, but it will also help you avoid sudden pressure changes. Isn’t it the first suitcase that is on its way to Paris and ends in Madrid. They are real stories and that can happen to you. We are all human and mistakes can be made, and it’s better not to put your health at risk if the suitcase is lost.
Place the insulins and needles in a clear plastic zip bag. Present them if necessary along with the letter. And once you land, check the status of the insulin before injecting it, in case it looks strange, discard it.
Sweets for hypoglycemia
Liquids are prohibited, but there are many ways to increase your hypoglycemia. Like energy bars or glucose pills. You must bring some type of sugary food for low glucose levels.
If you carry a glucagon with you, remember that it’s allowed as long as it’s in its pharmaceutically labeled container.
Check your glucose in airplane mode
Changes in the environment, meals, and the stress of something you don’t do daily can modify your glucose levels and make you enjoy your vacation less. That is why you cannot forget to control your glucose with Cori, so that the only notification you receive from your mobile is about the number of days you have been in range.
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People with diabetes are especially vulnerable to the dangers of colds and the flu, but there are things you can do to control your symptoms and avoid getting sick in the first place. You may maintain your health even when you’re feeling under the weather by constantly monitoring your blood sugar levels, staying hydrated, getting enough of rest, and adhering to your diabetes management plan. Additionally, you may lower your risk of getting sick and safeguard yourself from any problems by maintaining proper cleanliness, being vaccinated, and generally maintaining good health. Make sure to discuss any worries you may have with your healthcare team for advice and support if you have diabetes and are worried about managing colds and the flu.
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose meters
It is always accepted to travel with medical devices and insulin pumps and continuous glucose meters aren’t an exception. Notify security about your devices, so they know what it’s and that they can review you.
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose meters don’t need to be X-rayed. Most manufacturers haven’t yet been able to determine if these types of technologies will interfere with the configuration of your devices.
Plan B
If you are going to take a long trip of a month or more, you probably won’t be able to carry all your medication in your carry-on. Make sure to mark and protect your suitcase well, and carry a plan B in your carry-on luggage. If you use an insulin pump, just take insulin and syringes with you.
And don’t forget to bring extra supplies with you:
- Insulin
- Needles
- Syringes
- Test strips
- Sensors for Continuous Glucose Meter
- Lancets
- And anything else you might need to back up in an emergency
And above all, be patient. Diabetes is still a very unknown disease, and you will have to give explanations that you will not initially understand. Explain what you consider necessary and make sure you bring everything you need to spend a vacation in which you can enjoy as much as possible.
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