Diabetic Recipes
eerriinn
I checked, double checked and triple checked the TSA website to make sure I knew every law before I made my flight. I found out diabetics can carry water, juice and all supplies on board the plane. I read all my rights when or if they searched me or my bag.
I packed twice the amount of supplies I would normally use for the next six days. I brought snacks, glucose tabs and an entire bag of life-savers. I had extra batteries, important medical phone numbers and syringes just in case of pump malfunction. I went through security with little hassle. They took my water (which I didn´t fight for because I was running late for the flight). They asked what was on my belt and before I finished "insulin" they waved me through the metal detector. No one even asked to inspect my bag or see my prescriptions (after all my research!)
The flight I was late for was delayed getting out because of bad weather so I sat on the middle of the tarmac for two and a half hours (severely postponing lunch). As I´m waiting for an update from air traffic control (and the seatbelt sign is on!), I feel my blood sugar dropping. How long can I hold out? Of course my glucose is in the bin above me and no one is allowed to move so I can´t even ask the attendant for coke or juice. I wait it out until we get in the air and past the turbulence. The attendant finally brings the drink car (and mini turkey sandwiches) around. The low passes without any trouble.
We land in the tropics where the sun beats down and the ocean rumbles in the background. As I walk off the plane, I just wish that I was leaving my diabetes in the cargo hold. What I would give for a vacation from this disease...simply: everything.
I was stopped by security once in the denver airport for my insulin pump. It is usually attached to the front of my bra so maybe that was puzzling to them? I do ask the flight attendant for a juice can the minute I get on board and they are always willing once they find out I am a Diabetic. It makes me worry less just in case of a takeoff delay!
It's good to know someone's done the homework on this issue! We've just always gotten a note from the doctor when we fly, specifying that we're carrying on everything from Sarah's insulin to juice and snacks, and we've had good luck so far w/ security. I always say in a loud voice that "our daughter is diabetic" whenever security asks about any of it b/c I figure they'll get dirty looks if they hassle parents with a diabetic toddler. Now I know our rights if we lose the note. Thanks!
Lindsey
So you know. You can keep fruit juice or some fluid to treat a low with you. You need to explain that you have diabetes. This is specifically allowed by TSA guidelines.
A doctor's note for supplies is helpful but not strictly necessary.
How about carrying glucose tablets in case of a low? I also carry at least one meal bar. I like the suggestion about asking the attendant right away for a can of juice just in case. Same with water? I was turned over to the wand person with my pump, and was waved through. I'm 68 with very white hair, so I guess I don't fit the profile of a terrorist.
Hey Lindsey,
I'm only 19 years old. I was diagnosed with type 1 in october of 2000. I'm fairly new at this. I heard about this website through tv and decided to check it out. I really enjoy it. But ever since the whole lock down at the airports I was concerned about the supplies I need not being able to go through with me. Then, when I read your story I couldn't believe it. It is a miracle to know that its okay to take your supplies onto the plane. I would really like to hear from you agian. Thanks,
Joe Cooper
robin- definitely a good idea! especially helpful if you're on board alone...
mark- hah i can imagine other people giving the security people dirty looks! knowing your rights is the MOST important part of traveling! glad i could help :)
bernard- thanks! i did all that research before i left just to make sure. it does help out!
pianolady- i had glucose tabs but they were above my head and we were about to take off, not smart on my part but it happens! coming back i was sent to the wand lady and waved on when she found the pump...guess i don't fit the profile either, lucky us!
joe- i am sooo glad that you heard about dlife! it is an amazing site! check out some of my other posts and let me know if you need ANYTHING at all! it's a lot easier to do this all with a little support!
Lindsey, thanks for your reply. I am a blogger but not yet on dlife. I write about different areas and also about being a diabetic. How do I become a blogger on dlife? Also, sometimes I feel sad or a little frustrated with being a diabetic, is there a place on dlife to find support groups? I am 47 and have only been Type 1 for almost 2 years. I think it just "hits" me once in awhile that it is constantly on my mind.
robin, you're very welcome for the reply! talk to kerri morrone about blogging for dlife. she's the boss around here :) we all feel sad/frustrated with being diabetic, you are NOT alone. i've been diabetic for 15 years and it isn't easy getting adjusted, readjusted, and sometimes adjusted to being adjusted. there are message boards that might help you out under inspiration/expert advice then support forum. maybe talk to your doctor or research the net about a local support group. let me know if i can help further!
Funny, I was just thinking if things had changed with traveling. A couple of years ago I traveled to DC and I was stopped by security because they couldn't figure out what the ONE TOUCH ULTRA Smart Meter was; I even had a doctor's note...they didn't care about that note, I tried telling them I was a diabetic and they didn't care about that either. I am glad things have changed!