Under normal conditions,
insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals
. If you have concerns about X-rays, you can request hand inspection. Also, insulin never should be placed in checked baggage. It could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature.
How frequently should patients with diabetes check their blood glucose during air travel?
Diabetes Travel Tip #6: Check Your Blood Sugar
You will need to check your blood glucose more often when traveling (
at least every 4 to 6 hours
). In addition, when you travel you may be more active than usual which could lead to low blood sugar levels.
Can diabetics travel internationally?
It is important to wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that shows you have diabetes. If traveling to other countries, you may also want to learn a few key phrases, such as “I have diabetes” or “sugar or orange juice, please” in the languages of the countries you will be visiting.
Does insulin need to be refrigerated when traveling?
Ideally, unopened insulin should be stored in a refrigerator between 36oF to 46oF
, but that can be tough to do if you’re always on the go. You can use a portable cooler, but avoid letting your insulin directly touch ice or ice packs.
Can I take insulin on a flight?
Yes. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) specifically states that
passengers are permitted to board airplanes with insulin
, syringes, insulin pumps, liquids “includ[ing] “water, juice, or liquid nutrition,” and “all diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies.”
How long is insulin unrefrigerated?
Unopened and stored in this manner, these products maintain potency until the expiration date on the package. Insulin products contained in vials or cartridges supplied by the manufacturers (opened or unopened) may be left unrefrigerated at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F for
up to 28 days
and continue to work.
How do I keep my insulin cool while camping?
I carried almost triple the amount of insulin I would normally use in Frio cooling cases. These packs are incredible – you just
soak them in water every two to three days
and they can keep insulin cool even in very hot temperatures. When I was backpacking, I kept my Frio packs near the top layer of my bag.
Can airport scanners take insulin?
Despite the general rule prohibiting passengers from bringing liquids over 3.4 ounces through security, people with diabetes may take their insulin, other medications such as Glucagon, and other liquids and gels, including juice and cake gel, through TSA checkpoints, even if they’re in containers greater than 3.4 …
Should I keep my insulin cold?
Although manufacturers recommend storing your insulin in the refrigerator,
injecting cold insulin can sometimes make the injection more painful
. To avoid this, many providers suggest storing the bottle of insulin you are using at room temperature. Insulin kept at room temperature will last approximately one month.
Can you fly with injectable medications?
You are allowed to travel with injectable medication on a plane
. You may also bring unused syringes when they are accompanied by injectable medication. You must declare these items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
Does 70/30 insulin need refrigeration?
Store all unopened vials in the refrigerator
. Do not freeze. Do not use if it has been frozen. Keep away from heat and out of direct light.
Can I put insulin back in the fridge?
Unused (unopened) insulin vials, devices, or cartridges inadvertently left at room temperature can be returned to refrigeration
but must be used within designated days of initially being stored at room temperature (see Tables 1 and 2).
What happens if you don’t refrigerate insulin?
A: Insulin you are not using should be kept between 36 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets colder than that
it can freeze
. If it gets warmer than that, it will be good for a while, but eventually it will start to break down.
At what temperature should insulin be stored?
According to the product labels from all three U.S. insulin manufacturers, it is recommended that insulin be stored in a refrigerator at approximately
36°F to 46°F
. If you are using ice, avoid freezing the insulin. Do not use insulin that has been frozen.
