Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes: Why Awareness Can Save More Than Just Time

My Lucky Seat on my way back from my most recent trip 💙

Living with type 1 diabetes means navigating the world with a little more planning, a lot more resilience, and occasionally, a side of unwanted drama — especially at airports.

Let me tell you about the time I was flying back from Zanzibar. I was at the airport, exhausted but excited to get home, when suddenly, I was pulled out of the check-in line by security.

Apparently, a woman had reported that I was wearing something suspicious — and that “suspicious” item was my insulin pump.

Let that sink in.

Instead of asking or even trying to understand, she jumped to the worst conclusion possible. The next thing I know, I’m being asked to step aside for a second round of security screening — this time, a physical pat-down. I refused, and for good reason: one of the security personnel wasn’t even in uniform. I insisted on speaking to someone senior. I wasn’t about to be treated like a criminal over a life-saving medical device.

By then, voices were raised. Heads were turning. People were watching.

And I knew deep down exactly what this was about — but I also wanted them to say it out loud. I wanted them to feel the weight of their ignorance.

So I calmly reached into my pocket, pulled out the insulin pump, and said,
"This is what you’re doing all of this for? This is an insulin pump."

The silence was immediate. Embarrassment flooded their faces. And yes, the apologies started pouring in.

But I wasn’t done.

I gave them a quick educational session right then and there. I explained that people living with type 1 diabetes not only carry medical devices — they also have rights. That includes bringing an extra carry-on, boarding early, and being treated with dignity, not suspicion.

Because ignorance isn’t just frustrating — it’s dangerous.

One conversation could have prevented all of that chaos. One drop of awareness could have saved me (and them) a very loud scene and a very long delay.

💙 A Note for the World (and Airport Staff Everywhere):

People with type 1 diabetes travel, hike, swim, eat dessert, and board planes just like everyone else. But we do it with extra tools, routines, and awareness that the world sometimes doesn’t understand.

That’s why stories like this matter — not for pity, but for progress.

If you work in travel, healthcare, security, or customer service, please take the time to learn what an insulin pump is. Know that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pens, and other tools are part of someone’s lifeline, not a threat.

And if you’re reading this as someone living with diabetes, never be afraid to speak up. Educate when you can. Stand your ground when you must.

We don’t just manage diabetes. We live boldly with it.