Workplace Guide
What you need to know about your workplace rights as a person with T1D.
Travel guide
Travel with type 1 diabetes
Traveling with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can present some extra challenges. Preparation is key!
T1D supplies
Pack more than you need
Pack twice as much as you think you’ll need—that’s the general rule of thumb when traveling with type 1 diabetes because you have to anticipate pump site failures, CGMs falling off prematurely, using more insulin than usual, and other unexpected situations.
For example, if you think you’ll need two infusion sites, pack four. Plan to use one pen of long-acting insulin? Pack two.
Don’t forget your glucose monitor, too! What if your smartphone breaks and you can’t check your CGM data? Being prepared for those worst-case scenarios will keep you safer when you’re away from home.
Running out of insulin or losing your insulin while you’re traveling is a common fear. Call your pharmacy at home and ask them to send a prescription to the nearest pharmacy where you’re traveling. If your prescription isn’t fillable, call your doctor and explain the need for a new prescription—and where to send it. If you cannot reach your doctor’s office, visit the nearest emergency department to ask for an emergency vial of insulin.
Airport security
What to expect
Going through airport security can be stressful, especially if you live with T1D. Fortunately, most Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are experienced with wearable medical technology these days.
Here’s what you should expect before going through airport security:
- Tell the TSA agents you have T1D and what technology is on your body.
- Depending on the type of technology at that checkpoint, you may be able to just walk through or you may need a pat-down assessment and additional testing to confirm your medical technology is safe.
- Security technology poses no threat to your insulin pump or CGM technology. You can keep it on your body. Some people prefer to not walk through this technology and opt for a pat-down security assessment instead.
- Yes, you can bring syringes, lancets, pump supplies, insulin vials or pens, emergency glucagon, and batteries through airport security. Pack these supplies in one bag so you can easily remove them to review if necessary.
- Most airlines allow you to bring a “medical supplies bag” onto the plane in addition to your carry-on baggage.
- Do not put your diabetes supplies and medications in checked baggage due to concerns about temperature, lost baggage, and needing extra supplies during your flight.
- While insulin is ideally kept in the refrigerator, a few hours or a day’s worth of traveling with insulin at room temperature will not harm it. Just make sure it’s not in a very hot or very cold location on the airplane.
While airport security can be tedious, remember they are looking out for everyone’s safety.
TSA tips for traveling with T1D
Learn how to make your trip as smooth as possible.
More T1D resource guides
Mental Health Guide
Resources to help you manage the stress and emotions of living with T1D.
Exercise Guide
Tips to help you work out safely with T1D.
