New to the forum with a question if I may!!!???

[abould76]

Afternoon All,
I was originally diagnosed as a Type 2 about 9 years ago. After a change of one of my insulin tablets last Oct ended up in hospital with DKA. Awful but did then get the test to confirm Type1 and now I’m on the new regime my HBA1C is now 50 down from 70 last year! I wanted to ask if anyone knows how to get a Medical Device Awareness card for flying? I was given an email address at a recent course but it‘s no longer valid.
Also wondered if any one has any suggestions for malaria tablets suitable for Type 1’s? We’re hoping to visit Kenya in January 2023.
Thanks!

 

[helli]

What is a medical awareness card and why do you need one?
I ask as someone currently sitting in Heathrow Terminal 5 waiting for one of well over 109 flights with diabetes treated with insulin.

I do have a letter from my consultant (which has been used twice in nearly 20 years) explaining which I need sharp items, etc

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I think it's something one downloads and prints. https://jdrf.org.uk/information-sup...asier-for-people-living-with-type-1-diabetes/

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Also downloadable from T1 Resources:

Medical Devices Awareness Card for Airports

Rachel Humphrey, mum of a T1 child, campaigned and worked with the Civil Aviation Authority to develop this awareness card for taking insulin pumps, CGM and sensors through airport security

www.t1resources.uk

 

[JJay]

I think the awareness card is mainly for people with pumps - a device of that sort attached to the body might well raise eyebrows at security, whereas run-of-the-mill pens, syringes, insulin etc and, more recently, Libre sensors cause few, if any, issues. A doctor's letter is a good precaution, but in 27 years I've never had to show mine!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

but in 27 years I've never had to show mine!

I confess I don’t even know where mine is any more. 😱

I’ve always been upfront with security staff and apologised for being the ‘nightmare person’ on their shift. Have always been treated with respect and efficient kindness.

 

[SB2015]

Like @helli i carry a letter from my DSN explaining that I carry diabetes stuff. I have been asked for it twice in 14 years. I use a sunflower lanyard when going through airports. It can help so that I come across agents used to accepting things like insulin pumps and sensors, which can’t go through the X-ray machine. The only problem I have had has been in USA airports, but it is rare.

 

[Eternal422]

In 20 years of travelling I have never had to explain or show anything confirming I have diabetes and therefore a need to carry insulin pens, needles, etc. through an airport and onto planes. The only time someone looked closely at my insulin pens was when we were rushing through Dubai airport to catch a connecting flight! All the security person did was to take the lid off the pens to inspect them and didn’t say anything before letting me through (we caught the connecting flight ok!)

Since having the Libre I have not flown, but I guess they are relatively common and airport security are already used to them now. I must get a letter though just in case I come across a security person having a bad day somewhere!

 

[Bruce Stephens]

but I guess they are relatively common and airport security are already used to them now

They are, yes.

 

[offspin]

Afternoon All,
I was originally diagnosed as a Type 2 about 9 years ago. After a change of one of my insulin tablets last Oct ended up in hospital with DKA. Awful but did then get the test to confirm Type1 and now I’m on the new regime my HBA1C is now 50 down from 70 last year! I wanted to ask if anyone knows how to get a Medical Device Awareness card for flying? I was given an email address at a recent course but it‘s no longer valid.
Also wondered if any one has any suggestions for malaria tablets suitable for Type 1’s? We’re hoping to visit Kenya in January 2023.
Thanks!

Hi , I always wear a bracelet on my wrist that states that I have type 2 diabetes.