Air Travel & Diabetes

Make sure all medication has the proper labels with the name that matches the passenger’s ticket
Give yourself enough time to check in and board the plane. Anticipate that you will be stopped, searched, and possibly questioned about your diabetes supplies. As stress can affect your diabetes, give yourself enough time to comfortably navigate security checkpoints.
Be prepared with a prescription from your doctor for every diabetes supply you may be carrying. Again, make sure that the prescription name matches the one on your ticket.
Make sure you bring syringes and vials of insulin in their original packaging and with a prescription. Even if you use an insulin pump, be sure to bring back-up insulin and syringes.
Don’t panic if your insulin cannot be refrigerated for the flight. It will last in room temperature for up to several weeks.
If you need to bring extra diabetes supplies that are in excess of the amount allowed in your carry on, be sure to pack them in your checked luggage. Since checked baggage may be subjected to cold temperatures, be sure to carefully insulate any insulin bottles. Inspect the insulin after you arrive for crystallization or cloudiness. If you suspect that the insulin may be spoiled, discard the bottle and do not use it.