Traveling as a T1D

As someone who continues to travel between the US and Korea, I'd like to share some tips on how to travel as a person with T1D. At first, I was confused, but after a few travels, research, and experiences, I can share my insights that I hope will help you as well.

For insulin, you need to carry it in your carry-on bag, not in your checked-in luggage. It’s because insulin is very sensitive to temperature, and it needs to be kept at a very stable temperature. However, if you put it in your checked baggage, the temperature can drop to 40 degrees Celsius.

To carry as a carry on, at first i bought a bottle that looked that a thermos, but the issue with it was that it was easy to use, since i just had to put the freezing cube in the freezer for a few hours before use, however it was very heavy so i do not recommend it, when you also have alot of other things to carry on. My hospital recommended that I try using the FRIO travel wallet, and it is a total life-changer. First of all, it is very light, and you just need to put the wallet in cold water for 10 minutes before use. Then, towel-dry it to remove the water. I use the largest size, which can store up to 8 insulin pens. The fact that it is light and not bulky is the best advantage, so I highly recommend using this. It was also one-fourth the price of the first case that I had bought.

Once you get the case/wallet ready, I have also prepared documents from the hospital stating that I am T1D, and that is why I carry this insulin, but out on the 10+ times I have traveled via flight, both domestic in the US and also overseas, no airplane or baggage check at the airport has ever asked me. You can have the documents ready to be prepared; however, it is not essential. For the Dexcom, I put these in my checked bags. No issue with them.

Getting ready to head back to Korea