I ALWAYS keep gummy bears in my bag in a small plastic container. If I am going to be forced to eat something for a low, its darn sure going to be something I WANT to put in my mouth!
Don't forget if traveling in USA and your medication is dispense through a major drug store (CVS, Walgreens,etc.) You can have your RX transfer to where you are, if meds are lost or need more
Hi Cristelle. You are direct and as always have valuable information to share with us. Wonderful approach to Insulin dependent Diabetes. Now it’s time for you to enjoy a well deserved trip:)
Thanks for making this! I use the Omnipod and have to say it looks much easier to travel with pens instead; I have to pack so many pods for a 9 day trip since I usually change them every 2 days and want to have backups in case of failures. I appreciate the reminder to keep supplies in carry-on or personal item, I was thinking of packing my pods in a checked bag!
I'm glad it was helpful. And yes, you definitely have more to pack with OmniPod, so maybe getting a medical bag would create some more room in your carry-on? I haven't bought one yet, but am considering it for my next long trip
Thank you for the info. I have not flown since I started insulin in 2018. Prebording good idea. As long as I stay strictly on my diet I can avoid highs. I am more likely to have lows as I have to estimate one daily dose. I am a type II and also take an oral medication. I am highly glucose sensitive to grain products. None for breakfast and I make my own whole grain bread. Thank you so much❤❤❤
FWIW, Omnipod has an option to 'suspend delivery' in the PDM app. Also, an advantage of preboarding when you have medical supplies is that you also have first dibs on the overheads so that you can keep your pack/case above you. Be sure to have some kind of ID tag on all your carryons.
I just returned from Hungary on Monday afternoon. Spent a month there as usual. I rarely had any significant issues with my blood sugars, but there were a few exceptions. I have a backpack and have all my medical supplies with me. This also includes snacks. The Larabars are very good. Lenny and Larry's cookies, As well as bounty and mounds. I do tend to get high during the long 9-10 hour overseas flights. Therefore I do need to take a little more insulin then usual and more often as my sugar does not come down too easily in flight. Its been many years since I have taken a medical document with me to show them. They do not ask anymore. When they see my diabetic supplies as my bags goes through the xray machine, they see what they are. They do ask me what is that item on my thigh or tummy. I just say those are cgms and insulin pump infusion sites. I just hold my pump in hand as I stand in the x ray machine or whatever that is. Then if needed, they also pat me down and wipe my hands and my pump. I do not get that part. What are they looking for?
I'm sure you have what works well for you but are you possibly interested in doing a deeper dive with Afrezza? I ask that only because my personal experience has been one of more mental freedom with Afrezza in its ease, though I've never really had trouble with MDI's. Once I got the hang of making the 2 unit minis, corrections were so easy. Your thoughts are always appreciated.
I did a video on Afrezza a little while back (th-cam.com/video/smEbcQViEYY/w-d-xo.html) I’d be up for making another one if it doesn’t address what you had in mind. Just let me know
Thank you so much for this video. I was just diagnosed with T1D this year at 27 so I have a lot to learn and this has been weighing on me with winter coming to an end. I feel much more prepared now.
I've only ever had an issue in Lisbon. They wanted a prescription for my cgm. Didn't say a thing about my insulin pens, but we'd already done the song and dance over the cgm. I showed them the prescription label and said I'd never had an issue when traveling through Europe. Finally a supervisor was called. They opened the box and swabbed the cgm and let me proceed.
Yikes, good to know. My endo did include CGM and other supplies in my travel letter but sounds like that might not even have helped much in that situation
Been a T1D for 46 years and travelling by air can be a little challenging. I normally go into the bathroom to check blood sugars and shots but there a mess most of the time. What are you doing?.
Hi! Is it necessary to take your diabetes supplies out of the carry-on when going through security? Can I just leave them in the carry-on and put it through the scanner?
It’s not necessary, but if they think anything looks weird they’ll pull you aside to inspect the carry-on. On this trip, they opened up my Frio and looked at my insulin pens, but since it was out in the bin they didn’t care to go through the carry-on
I just applied for TSA Precheck partially (or mostly) because it takes forever to get through security with my supplies and always, if on a tour, hold up everyone else. how will it make it easier for me to get through? when I left either form Jordan or Egypt, TSA apparently didn't care about my diabetes or didn't know about the requirements...They took about 1/2 of my syringes!! I had 2 different types because I accidentally through ot a full bottle and had to get an emergency supply that wasn't compatible with my pump. I was pissed off! They also took a pliers I used to remove the needles from my CGMs. My T:slim X2 says I can't put the pump through the Xray machine or scanner. I didn't know about the pre-boarding.
The TSA agents told parents there has to scared 😨 child. That were told to take off his medication pumps and blood pressure patch. Or he won't go home.
@@DiabetesStrong they did but the TSA agents said take it off insulin pumps and glucose test equipment as well as the other test equipment for the scanner. Also if you had a nuclear scan test done and it's been over a week. TSA won't let you flying out of the country until your non reactive is gone. You consider yourself now on the no fly list as well.
I have taken 2 trips (domestic) ,in the last year by air. In both cases my supplies went through the xray in my carry on bag ,and I went through the full body scan wearing my Dexcom 6 without any adverse effects.
For me when I fly and I don't like to, after I have been checked in by security I go to the store or restaurant and buy a bottle of orange juice and keep my insulin and blood checker in my pocket. I am trying to get caught up on your videos I just subscribed about 2 weeks ago. Thank you for what you do.
Hi Cristelle, How do you get through TSA with extra CGM sensors for future use when going on a trip longer than 2 weeks? They can't go through the X-ray machine, can they? What is the best way to pack them without exposing them to X-ray?
You still want to bring them with you in your carry-on as the checked luggage also goes through an x-ray. At the security checkpoint, you just tell them you have devices that the manufacturer recommends don’t go through an x-ray or scanner. They can then do a manual test. But budget more time for that and potentially some resistance, just hold your ground
Thanks for the video! It's been a pain to opt out of the scanner for a pat down. I figured if it worked for you it might work for me so I took my dexcom through the scanner the other day and had no issues👍
very helpful info! Recently, I flew for the first time since T1D diagnosis. I chose to have a pat down, because there were so many conflicting ideas about whether or not my Libre 2 would be affected by the metal detector or scanner. It was fine, but took extra time. (Also, my family was with me, so they watched my stuff after it came through the x-ray machines…I wonder how I’ll juggle that if I fly alone. I may need to just give the machines a try.) Everything went smoothly, and it felt great to be on the go again.
Thank you for this. I'm a recently diagnosed Type II diabetic. I've only traveled via car with my diabetic supplies. This is very helpful guidance. I wasn't sure how to handle carrying diabetic supplies through TSA.
Great video. Have lots and lots of air travel with supplies. Actually had a backpack full of CGMs, insulin pens and other medications for a 8 month extended work trip to Thailand. The only issue was one of the cold packs had started to thaw and was mushy, got confiscated because plastic explosives do not freeze. Time zone changes can be major hassles with medication timing. The scanner has not appeared to damage any of my CGM sensors over the last 15ish years of travel.
Thank you for sharing. Yeah, I’ve read that they’ll confiscate cooling elements if they’re not frozen solid. And glad you're not having issues with the scanners either
How do you get extra insulin, Dexcom, syringes, etc. ? These are prescriptions and has a monthly limit to order and to be covered by insurance, so maybe you simply asked your doctor to order the prescriptions and purchased regardless of that they're uncovered by insurance?
Some insurance companies allow you to get a “travel/vacation” supply. Last year I did end up having to buy extra supplies cash, so without insurance, to have enough for a long trip
glad I found this video! t1d for 11 years and I’m just flying (by myself) for the first time and I’ve been super nervous about all this. glad to hear from someone with my shared medical experience about how seem less it can be flying with supplies as a t1d :)
Question Are we supposed to let the flight attendance at the gate knows about my son’s health conditions? This will be our first time flying with T1D. Will they do pre boarding for his condition? Any more infor would be great! Thank you so much!!
Per section 382.93 he/you just needs to self-identify as someone with a disability to the gate agent and that you need to pre-board. You’re not required to tell them what or why
NIce very hel[ful video thank you for sharing your Travels! Would like to also give good advice back the needles you are using fail a very lot and I greatly improved my all round Diabetes coming away from the BD needles, They are Not made for Novo Disk Pens and not approved either! Hope you had a Nice time!
The BD needles were breaking?! Did you file a complaint? That needs to be reported to the authorities. If they have a bad batch they need to pull it from the market so no one gets hurts
@@DiabetesStrong this was back 7 yeasr ago and they where all informed teh company ignored my emails to them! I just stopped using tehm but to this day I tell anyone usign tehm needles they are not made for Norvo Nordisk pens and they do not take respesibilities for failures in other Manufactorers needles if they fail which they did with me for over 20 years at teh same time as a blood machine doing the same! My A!c now as greatly got better coming away from them but damages are still in me!
Thanks for this video! I'm about to fly for the first time with insulin supplies so this is very helpful and brought up some things I wouldn't have thought about otherwise.
Thank you! My daughter was just diagnosed Type 1 and will be flying to Scotland for a semester abroad. Do you have any advice on how to take enough insulin for at least 3 months with her on a plane?
When I fly from the US to Europe I usually use a larger insulated bag (you can see the one I just got in this video at 9:04 th-cam.com/video/DiFSdpcx7Ik/w-d-xo.html). The one I used last time (and brought enough insulin for 4 months) was just a large insulated lunchbox, but the issue with that was that the cooling elements would be directly on top of the insulin and that can ruin it. So I upgraded 😏
traveling end of Sept. ...do I have to bring a verify letter like yours if I'm bringing diabetic pills like metformin, glimepiride and cholesterol meds
Family member who flies recommends that for pills, keep in original prescription containers that have your name and RX on them. He had some issues with capsules, so doctor's note would be helpful on that at least.
I would bring a doctor's note but the general guideline is that you can bring 3 months of insulin/supplies with you. I’ve brought more without any issues though
Yes, when I went through my anemia issues this year I had to switch back. I do want to make a new video about it but probably won’t get to that until the new year
Good information. I am a flight maintenace engineer. I literally live on a 747 for 16 days a month. About every three days I may get a hotel room for a shower and a real bed. Anything can be done. Stay strong my friends. Don’t let diabetes get you down.
I have to make a new video on my long-acting insulin. You're not the first to ask. I went through some health issues this year that made me switch back. I'll try and get a video out about it early next year, I promise
@@leandrochavez6907 no, my health issues were not diabetes-related. It was anemia due to excessive bleeding. did a video on it, both on my anemia and the surgery I had to fix the bleeding
I ALWAYS keep gummy bears in my bag in a small plastic container. If I am going to be forced to eat something for a low, its darn sure going to be something I WANT to put in my mouth!
For me it’s sour cherry blasters 😂😂😂
Awesome video 🙏 thanks for helping 💪
i always ask for a patdown not to go thru scanners
Don't forget if traveling in USA and your medication is dispense through a major drug store (CVS, Walgreens,etc.) You can have your RX transfer to where you are, if meds are lost or need more
Hi Cristelle. You are direct and as always have valuable information to share with us. Wonderful approach to Insulin dependent Diabetes. Now it’s time for you to enjoy a well deserved trip:)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it
Thanks for making this! I use the Omnipod and have to say it looks much easier to travel with pens instead; I have to pack so many pods for a 9 day trip since I usually change them every 2 days and want to have backups in case of failures. I appreciate the reminder to keep supplies in carry-on or personal item, I was thinking of packing my pods in a checked bag!
I'm glad it was helpful. And yes, you definitely have more to pack with OmniPod, so maybe getting a medical bag would create some more room in your carry-on? I haven't bought one yet, but am considering it for my next long trip
I never thought about the insulin pen malfunctioning. Great tips! Thanks!
Right, it’s one of those things no one really talks about
Thank you for the info. I have not flown since I started insulin in 2018. Prebording good idea. As long as I stay strictly on my diet I can avoid highs. I am more likely to have lows as I have to estimate one daily dose. I am a type II and also take an oral medication. I am highly glucose sensitive to grain products. None for breakfast and I make my own whole grain bread. Thank you so much❤❤❤
You’re welcome. Thank you for sharing
FWIW, Omnipod has an option to 'suspend delivery' in the PDM app. Also, an advantage of preboarding when you have medical supplies is that you also have first dibs on the overheads so that you can keep your pack/case above you. Be sure to have some kind of ID tag on all your carryons.
I just returned from Hungary on Monday afternoon. Spent a month there as usual. I rarely had any significant issues with my blood sugars, but there were a few exceptions. I have a backpack and have all my medical supplies with me. This also includes snacks. The Larabars are very good. Lenny and Larry's cookies, As well as bounty and mounds. I do tend to get high during the long 9-10 hour overseas flights. Therefore I do need to take a little more insulin then usual and more often as my sugar does not come down too easily in flight. Its been many years since I have taken a medical document with me to show them. They do not ask anymore. When they see my diabetic supplies as my bags goes through the xray machine, they see what they are. They do ask me what is that item on my thigh or tummy. I just say those are cgms and insulin pump infusion sites. I just hold my pump in hand as I stand in the x ray machine or whatever that is. Then if needed, they also pat me down and wipe my hands and my pump. I do not get that part. What are they looking for?
The hand swaps are done to test for traces of explosives. I think they just do that with all things "device/mechanical".
Illicit drug residue too. 😊
I’ve watched this video last year for domestic travel and now for international travel - thanks so much!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm sure you have what works well for you but are you possibly interested in doing a deeper dive with Afrezza? I ask that only because my personal experience has been one of more mental freedom with Afrezza in its ease, though I've never really had trouble with MDI's. Once I got the hang of making the 2 unit minis, corrections were so easy. Your thoughts are always appreciated.
I did a video on Afrezza a little while back (th-cam.com/video/smEbcQViEYY/w-d-xo.html) I’d be up for making another one if it doesn’t address what you had in mind. Just let me know
Thank you so much for this video. I was just diagnosed with T1D this year at 27 so I have a lot to learn and this has been weighing on me with winter coming to an end. I feel much more prepared now.
Glad it was helpful!
I know a new diagnosis can be overwhelming but I find it gets easier with time
I've only ever had an issue in Lisbon. They wanted a prescription for my cgm. Didn't say a thing about my insulin pens, but we'd already done the song and dance over the cgm. I showed them the prescription label and said I'd never had an issue when traveling through Europe. Finally a supervisor was called. They opened the box and swabbed the cgm and let me proceed.
Yikes, good to know. My endo did include CGM and other supplies in my travel letter but sounds like that might not even have helped much in that situation
Been a T1D for 46 years and travelling by air can be a little challenging. I normally go into the bathroom to check blood sugars and shots but there a mess most of the time. What are you doing?.
I just do all of that right there in my seat, but I think it comes down to what you’re the most comfortable with
Hi! Is it necessary to take your diabetes supplies out of the carry-on when going through security? Can I just leave them in the carry-on and put it through the scanner?
It’s not necessary, but if they think anything looks weird they’ll pull you aside to inspect the carry-on. On this trip, they opened up my Frio and looked at my insulin pens, but since it was out in the bin they didn’t care to go through the carry-on
I just applied for TSA Precheck partially (or mostly) because it takes forever to get through security with my supplies and always, if on a tour, hold up everyone else. how will it make it easier for me to get through? when I left either form Jordan or Egypt, TSA apparently didn't care about my diabetes or didn't know about the requirements...They took about 1/2 of my syringes!! I had 2 different types because I accidentally through ot a full bottle and had to get an emergency supply that wasn't compatible with my pump. I was pissed off! They also took a pliers I used to remove the needles from my CGMs. My T:slim X2 says I can't put the pump through the Xray machine or scanner. I didn't know about the pre-boarding.
The TSA agents told parents there has to scared 😨 child. That were told to take off his medication pumps and blood pressure patch. Or he won't go home.
That sounds off, I would complain. Not all pumps can be detached and a patdown should be plenty
@@DiabetesStrong they did but the TSA agents said take it off insulin pumps and glucose test equipment as well as the other test equipment for the scanner. Also if you had a nuclear scan test done and it's been over a week. TSA won't let you flying out of the country until your non reactive is gone. You consider yourself now on the no fly list as well.
I have taken 2 trips (domestic) ,in the last year by air. In both cases my supplies went through the xray in my carry on bag ,and I went through the full body scan wearing my Dexcom 6 without any adverse effects.
I was asked to show my doctors letter on the airport 3 times out of 30 flights
Thank you for sharing your experience
This is a great video. I travel fairly often and this is a life saver.
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it
For me when I fly and I don't like to, after I have been checked in by security I go to the store or restaurant and buy a bottle of orange juice and keep my insulin and blood checker in my pocket.
I am trying to get caught up on your videos I just subscribed about 2 weeks ago. Thank you for what you do.
Hi Cristelle,
How do you get through TSA with extra CGM sensors for future use when going on a trip longer than 2 weeks? They can't go through the X-ray machine, can they? What is the best way to pack them without exposing them to X-ray?
You still want to bring them with you in your carry-on as the checked luggage also goes through an x-ray. At the security checkpoint, you just tell them you have devices that the manufacturer recommends don’t go through an x-ray or scanner. They can then do a manual test. But budget more time for that and potentially some resistance, just hold your ground
Thanks for the video! It's been a pain to opt out of the scanner for a pat down. I figured if it worked for you it might work for me so I took my dexcom through the scanner the other day and had no issues👍
Awesome!!!
very helpful info! Recently, I flew for the first time since T1D diagnosis. I chose to have a pat down, because there were so many conflicting ideas about whether or not my Libre 2 would be affected by the metal detector or scanner. It was fine, but took extra time. (Also, my family was with me, so they watched my stuff after it came through the x-ray machines…I wonder how I’ll juggle that if I fly alone. I may need to just give the machines a try.) Everything went smoothly, and it felt great to be on the go again.
Thank you for this video, We are flying to hawaii from michigan where we live. those are great tips. My trip will go much smoother now
Really difficult traveling with diabetes
I find timezone changes to be a little challenging as well as packing all the supplies but have never had issues getting my things through customs
Thank you for this. I'm a recently diagnosed Type II diabetic. I've only traveled via car with my diabetic supplies. This is very helpful guidance. I wasn't sure how to handle carrying diabetic supplies through TSA.
Thank you. Glad it was helpful
Great video. Have lots and lots of air travel with supplies. Actually had a backpack full of CGMs, insulin pens and other medications for a 8 month extended work trip to Thailand. The only issue was one of the cold packs had started to thaw and was mushy, got confiscated because plastic explosives do not freeze. Time zone changes can be major hassles with medication timing. The scanner has not appeared to damage any of my CGM sensors over the last 15ish years of travel.
Thank you for sharing. Yeah, I’ve read that they’ll confiscate cooling elements if they’re not frozen solid. And glad you're not having issues with the scanners either
@@DiabetesStrong ,
Just flew to Germany three days ago. No problem with TSA. He just asked I'd they were insulin pens. GTG.
@@akdave5204 amazing 👌🏽 Have a great trip
Thank you SO much. I'm taking my first trip as a diabetic and finding it very stressful!
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge in another great video.
Appreciate the kind feedback, thank you
How do you get extra insulin, Dexcom, syringes, etc. ? These are prescriptions and has a monthly limit to order and to be covered by insurance, so maybe you simply asked your doctor to order the prescriptions and purchased regardless of that they're uncovered by insurance?
Some insurance companies allow you to get a “travel/vacation” supply. Last year I did end up having to buy extra supplies cash, so without insurance, to have enough for a long trip
@@DiabetesStrong Thank you for your reply! Oh that's the way to go. Hope that the society recognizes what's going on, and reduce prices!
Best information I have seen about traveling . Thanks 🎉
Thank you so much. I have decided a whole back that I don’t fly now. I have but it is too stressful for me now that I am older.
glad I found this video! t1d for 11 years and I’m just flying (by myself) for the first time and I’ve been super nervous about all this. glad to hear from someone with my shared medical experience about how seem less it can be flying with supplies as a t1d :)
Glad it was helpful. Have a great trip
Question
Are we supposed to let the flight attendance at the gate knows about my son’s health conditions? This will be our first time flying with T1D. Will they do pre boarding for his condition? Any more infor would be great! Thank you so much!!
Per section 382.93 he/you just needs to self-identify as someone with a disability to the gate agent and that you need to pre-board. You’re not required to tell them what or why
NIce very hel[ful video thank you for sharing your Travels! Would like to also give good advice back the needles you are using fail a very lot and I greatly improved my all round Diabetes coming away from the BD needles, They are Not made for Novo Disk Pens and not approved either! Hope you had a Nice time!
The BD needles were breaking?! Did you file a complaint? That needs to be reported to the authorities. If they have a bad batch they need to pull it from the market so no one gets hurts
@@DiabetesStrong this was back 7 yeasr ago and they where all informed teh company ignored my emails to them! I just stopped using tehm but to this day I tell anyone usign tehm needles they are not made for Norvo Nordisk pens and they do not take respesibilities for failures in other Manufactorers needles if they fail which they did with me for over 20 years at teh same time as a blood machine doing the same! My A!c now as greatly got better coming away from them but damages are still in me!
Great Information. Very Clearly explained. Thank you very much.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this video! I'm about to fly for the first time with insulin supplies so this is very helpful and brought up some things I wouldn't have thought about otherwise.
Glad it was helpful. Have a great trip
Thank you! My daughter was just diagnosed Type 1 and will be flying to Scotland for a semester abroad. Do you have any advice on how to take enough insulin for at least 3 months with her on a plane?
When I fly from the US to Europe I usually use a larger insulated bag (you can see the one I just got in this video at 9:04 th-cam.com/video/DiFSdpcx7Ik/w-d-xo.html). The one I used last time (and brought enough insulin for 4 months) was just a large insulated lunchbox, but the issue with that was that the cooling elements would be directly on top of the insulin and that can ruin it. So I upgraded 😏
Thank you!
traveling end of Sept. ...do I have to bring a verify letter like yours if I'm bringing diabetic pills like metformin, glimepiride and cholesterol meds
The general guidance is to always bring a doctor's note for all prescription medication. I bring mine but have never asked to show it
Family member who flies recommends that for pills, keep in original prescription containers that have your name and RX on them. He had some issues with capsules, so doctor's note would be helpful on that at least.
Thank you so much!!!!!
You're welcome
This was really informative! Thank you so much.
You are so welcome!
Can i take all of my insulin with me ? Is there any limit ?
Thank you
I would bring a doctor's note but the general guideline is that you can bring 3 months of insulin/supplies with you. I’ve brought more without any issues though
Thank you for this excellent instructional video. Extremely valuable to me.
Great, thank you
How do you get the insulin out of the pen with a syringe???
Just pull it out through the rubber seal
What do you do with your Dexcom receiver? Do you keep that in your pocket?
When I bring it with me I just have it in my purse
In a prior video, you had switched to Tresiba as your long-acting basal insulin. Are you back to using Levemir? If so, why?
Yes, when I went through my anemia issues this year I had to switch back. I do want to make a new video about it but probably won’t get to that until the new year
@@DiabetesStrong I am definitely interested to hear more about that
Good information. I am a flight maintenace engineer. I literally live on a 747 for 16 days a month. About every three days I may get a hotel room for a shower and a real bed. Anything can be done. Stay strong my friends. Don’t let diabetes get you down.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! Thank you :-)
You bet!
I just read not to xray insulin?
There should not be an issue with letting your insulin go through the X-ray. The issue can potentially be with your devices
What do you do for sharps disposal?
I use the needle cutter from BD. It’s tiny and can easily fit in my diabetes bag
Why are you not on Tresiba in this video?
I have to make a new video on my long-acting insulin. You're not the first to ask. I went through some health issues this year that made me switch back. I'll try and get a video out about it early next year, I promise
@@DiabetesStrong Was it due to the Tresiba? because im on tresiba.
@@leandrochavez6907 no, my health issues were not diabetes-related. It was anemia due to excessive bleeding. did a video on it, both on my anemia and the surgery I had to fix the bleeding
Good video
Thanks
Thanks
You're welcome
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