The world changed in more ways than one on September 11, 2001. The sense that America was untouchable from foreign attack, protected by her mighty military and two oceans, collapsed along with the twin towers. Suddenly, the focus of all law and policy makers became security–existing practices were scrutinized and either altered or retooled to help protect citizens. The most sweeping changes and the ones with the greatest impact on our day to day existence were the security enhancements at airports. Travelers began to find more and more travel items being excluded. More recent events concerning a planned terror plot in the United Kingdom involving liquid explosives has caused the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) to ban all liquids and gels from commercial flights. For many this presents nothing more than another inconvenience of flying. However, for those with special needs, such as diabetics, not being able to carry their diabetes supplies with them is a major obstacle. Fortunately, the TSA realized the challenges faced by diabetics and has made it possible for diabetics to carry the diabetic supplies that they need if they follow certain guidelines.

Traveling with diabetes supplies requires a bit of planning and preparation. If you need to take liquid diabetes supplies such as insulin and liquid diabetes medication with you on your flight, make sure that the diabetes supplies are legibly labeled showing a prescription for the medication with a name that exactly matches the name on the ticket. If the medication is non prescription, then the diabetes supplies should be clearly labeled. You can expect such medications to be closely inspected by security personnel. It is also possible to carry diabetes supplies that are used to treat hypoglycemia if the container is five ounces or smaller. Fortunately, there are currently no restrictions on syringes and other diabetes supplies.

There are no restriction on insulin pumps save for those mentioned in the last paragraph (the insulin used in the pump must be labeled, etc.). However, many wearers of insulin pumps and other diabetes supplies are often concerned that the delicate electronics of the insulin pump may be harmed by the metal detector and other scanning equipment. While manufacturers of diabetes supplies assert that insulin pumps are not damaged by airport screening equipment, it is possible to request a hand inspection if the prospect makes you nervous.

The extra security required after the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001, is hard on everyone, but they can be especially taking for those who must travel with diabetes supplies. Just remember to keep a few things in mind and you should be able to travel with your diabetes supplies with only a minimum of hassle. Make certain that the ticket bears the same name as on any prescription form to avoid potential difficulties.