Traveling with an Insulin Pen or Pump

Any diabetic whom is on the pen has some challenges when traveling because he or she has to lug a backpack full of supplies and insulin pens. Whether you're on a pump or pen, my doctor recommends that I bring a cooler with ice to keep insulin vials or pens cold (of course you should talk to your own doctor before traveling or to confirm that you need a cooler.)

For the insulin pen, there isn’t a ton of extra preparation because they’re pretty easy to travel with. The only thing I could recommend based on the experience I have had with them is to get a very stylish bag to carry them. For example, Stephanie Johnson, Vera Bradley, etc.

However traveling with a pod or pump can be more difficult.

I had my first experience traveling with my OmniPod this past summer when traveling to Italy. It was easier on the way there because all the airport personnel speak English and understood the situation once explained to them.

I still had to have the boxes of pods, my meter and myself checked for explosives. They basically patted me down instead of me going through the metal detector. For diabetics with pods whom have not traveled with one before, BIG HEADS UP: your OmniPod Meter, pods in the box or on your body can NOT go through metal detectors or there will be a strong possibility of them not working or failing - dangerous situation.

On my way back from Italy, they forced me to go through the metal detector and I got very scared. I was afraid my pod was going to fail while on the plane. But, thank God, it continued to work. I assume it was my lucky day. I think that it would have been helpful if I had someone who spoke the language and could have explained so I didn't have to chance it.

I don’t have a pump with a wire so I don’t know the rules or have a ton of advice for that device, except possibly bringing a cooler.

Hope this comes in handy for my Fellow Diabeauties!