How does flying affect diabetes?


How does flying affect diabetes? Blood sugar levels and diabetes management can be significantly impacted by travel. Time changes and other routine changes commonly cause blood sugar levels to behave abnormally. Elevated blood glucose levels are also frequently caused by the combination of reduced activity on the plane and the amount of food provided.


How do I get through TSA with diabetes?

If you have an insulin pump, glucose monitor or other medical device attached to your body, inform the officers where it is located before the screening process begins. Although not required, you can provide them with a TSA notification card prior to screening to discreetly describe the medical condition.


Do diabetics get priority boarding?

Luckily, since you have diabetes, you get priority boarding, at no extra cost! All you have to do is notify the gate agent that you have diabetes, and they'll let you board early.


What medical conditions should you not fly?

if you suffer from or have had:
  • angina or chest pain at rest.
  • an infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu), including COVID-19.
  • decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends')
  • increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection)
  • infection of your ears or sinuses.
  • recent heart attack.


How do you carry Ozempic on a plane?

Pack your Ozempic and other diabetes supplies in your carry-on bag to ensure they are easily accessible during the flight. Keep your medication in its original packaging, and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your healthcare provider.


Can diabetics get TSA Precheck?

Consider the TSA Pre-check option for convenience (tsa.gov/precheck). If you wear a continuous glucose monitor or an insulin pump, inform TSA staff that you are wearing a medical device for diabetes that would be damaged in the body-scanning device. Ask for a different security check.


What is the TSA diabetes notification card?

Yes. TSA has created an optional Disability Notification Card that you can hand to Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to inform them in a discreet manner that you have a disability, medical condition, or medical device that may affect security screening.


What is the A1C limit for the FAA?

Initial consideration targets include: Hemoglobin A1C less than 9.0; and. Use of acceptable combination of medication(s).


Do diabetics need a letter to fly?

Request a travel letter about your diabetes You should get a letter from your healthcare team stating you have diabetes and that you need to carry medical supplies. This letter is often requested by airlines and other operators and is helpful in the event of an emergency.