As I’m sure you’ve learned from my other blog entries, I don’t let diabetes get in the way of living life. Traveling is a passion of mine that could, potentially, cause problems for me as a diabetic, but because I am so excited about the world around me, I never think of letting diabetes affect my traveling schedule.
The hardest part about traveling with diabetes is going through the security line at an airport. I am always questioned about my pump, and it is often mistaken for a phone or MP3 player. I have even been asked to remove it. However, when I tell the security guards that I am a diabetic, they usually understand.
The pump does not set off the alarms while walking through security, which is nice, but the needles and vials going through the x-ray machine sometimes worry the security guards. I have found that a simple note from my doctor explaining why I have needles and vials of insulin in my bag is the easiest way to get through the security checkpoint without any issues.
Before going through security, make sure you clear out your bag of anything that could cause suspicion. The biggest thing is juice. I carry a juice box with me everywhere, and I always forget to take it out when I’m going on a plane! If your blood sugar rises best with juice, just buy some on the other side of the security checkpoint; I have found this to be a great alternative. But, if you just need some form of sugar to raise your blood sugar, the easiest thing to do is pack some candy in your carry on bag, like Mentos or Lifesavers.
The security checkpoint at an airport is a perfect demonstration of how diabetes can get in the way of life. But, if you have all the documents, supplies, and determination to make it through security, diabetes cannot stop you from living the life you want to live!