With summer vacations under way, you should know the latest recommendations from the Transportation Security Administration for airline passengers with diabetes:

• Tell the security screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you.
• Make sure your insulin vials, insulin prefilled syringes, pens, jet injectors, or insulin pump are accompanied by a professionally printed label identifying the medication as insulin. Since this label is usually on the outside of the box containing the vial or pens, don't throw the box away; keep it and take it with you when you're traveling.
• You may only carry syringes through the security checkpoint if you have properly labeled insulin with you.
• You may take lancets, blood glucose meters and blood glucose test strips through the security checkpoint. Lancets should be capped, and the meter should have the manufacturer's name embossed on it.
• Tell the screener if you are wearing an insulin pump, and ask that it be visually inspected instead of removed from your body.

This advice applies to people traveling within the US. If you'll be traveling internationally, ask your airline for applicable regulations.

In addition to the above, the American Diabetes Association also advises travelers to:

• Pack at least twice the number of supplies needed.
• Bring a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood glucose.
• Carry a nutrition bar or other easy-to-carry snack.
• Carry or wear medical identification.
• Take contact information for your physician.

Related information Lifestyle - Special Times - Travel

Sources:

• Transportation Security Administration. Tips for summer travelers - security screening advice for passengers with disabilities, at www.tsa.gov
• American Diabetes Association. Update - Traveling with diabetes supplies. In the News, May 29, 2002.