Diabetic friendly shake through TSA?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: LAX
Posts: 453
Diabetic friendly shake through TSA?
I've got a friend who is making a 24 hr turnaround for a business meeting LGA/DTW. She's just been diagnosed with diabetes and is looking to take a few items to eat during the business lunch.
One of these items is a Glucerna shake, packaged in a can much like Slimfast. Is it even possible for her to get it through TSA? Would it just result in a secondary inspection?
Any information or feedback would be greatly appreciated not just by me, but from my friend.
One of these items is a Glucerna shake, packaged in a can much like Slimfast. Is it even possible for her to get it through TSA? Would it just result in a secondary inspection?
Any information or feedback would be greatly appreciated not just by me, but from my friend.
#2
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: UA, NW
Posts: 160
IME, this shouldn't be a problem. Glucerna is a fairly recognized brand of shakes specifically for diabetics. But, to be on the safe side, (because I've had TSO's tell me I couldn't take medically needed food/liquid through for a long-a**ed flight without a doctor's note), have her bring a doctor's note stating that of medical necessity, she is required to take the shake on the plane with her. Docs discretion whether he/she states the patient is diabetic.
#3
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 562
These kinds of questions suck! It should be cut and dry; Our directives state that liquids for medical purposes are allowed, but we all know that TSO's will make up their own rules. The Glucerna should be OK, but make sure that your friend is prepared to talk to a supervisor in case an idiot TSO gives her a hassle.
#4
Suspended
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
Your friend also needs to be aware that in spite of the fact that the TSA has advised bringing a doctor's note:
many screeners will refuse to accept such saying it could be a fake.
It is recommended (not required) that passengers bring along any supporting
documentation (ID cards, letter from doctor, etc.) regarding their medication needs.
documentation (ID cards, letter from doctor, etc.) regarding their medication needs.
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,716
I'm not sure if people get prescriptions for Glucerna. They do sell food in the airport, so I don't see why this would really qualify as something a diabetic needs as medicine. It's not even something that's overly good for a diabetic. It has some protein, but a ton of carbs and something like Muscle Milk or Designer Protein would be far better for a diabetic.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
I'm not sure if people get prescriptions for Glucerna. They do sell food in the airport, so I don't see why this would really qualify as something a diabetic needs as medicine. It's not even something that's overly good for a diabetic. It has some protein, but a ton of carbs and something like Muscle Milk or Designer Protein would be far better for a diabetic.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
Wow, and I thought the deodorant thread was about the lowest form of nit-picking.
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Out West
Programs: DL-2MM, NW, AA, AS, NZ, AM
Posts: 432
I'm not sure if people get prescriptions for Glucerna. They do sell food in the airport, so I don't see why this would really qualify as something a diabetic needs as medicine. It's not even something that's overly good for a diabetic. It has some protein, but a ton of carbs and something like Muscle Milk or Designer Protein would be far better for a diabetic.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Upstate NY or FL or inbetween
Programs: US former CP Looking for a new airline to love me
Posts: 1,674
I'm not sure if people get prescriptions for Glucerna. They do sell food in the airport, so I don't see why this would really qualify as something a diabetic needs as medicine. It's not even something that's overly good for a diabetic. It has some protein, but a ton of carbs and something like Muscle Milk or Designer Protein would be far better for a diabetic.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
Just for grins, what, to you, is "a valid reason for any exception"?
Last edited by essxjay; Mar 27, 2008 at 8:32 pm Reason: inflammtory remark removed
#9
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: PDX,PHX,LON
Programs: too many of the few that are left
Posts: 627
lousy medical advice
From what medical school did you graduate, if I may ask?
Newly-diagnosed diabetics are often given very specific dietary instructions by their physicians. Patient response to diet and exercise modification varies widely, so typically it takes some experimentation to discover what works best for the individual diabetic. She may be monitoring diet, exercise and blood glucose with extreme attention to content and timing at this point.
Diabetes can cause blindness, limb damage requiring amputation, and other serious problems. Diabetics average shorter life-spans than non-diabetics.
What Cee said.
Newly-diagnosed diabetics are often given very specific dietary instructions by their physicians. Patient response to diet and exercise modification varies widely, so typically it takes some experimentation to discover what works best for the individual diabetic. She may be monitoring diet, exercise and blood glucose with extreme attention to content and timing at this point.
Diabetes can cause blindness, limb damage requiring amputation, and other serious problems. Diabetics average shorter life-spans than non-diabetics.
What Cee said.
#10
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: UA, NW
Posts: 160
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
I think the OP's friend is handling this wisely, but I'll reiterate the need for a doc's note, just-in-case.
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: LAX
Posts: 453
Thank you all for the responses. She's going to give it a go and if worse comes to worse she's just going to let it go.
It's not any of my business what her treatment/regimen is for diabetes. I know her through another illness support site and I'm aware of some of the other illnesses that she has to deal with so treatment or diet prescribed for other diabetics may negatively impact her other conditions.
I've asked her to let me know how it goes and I'll post as such if and when I hear back from her. Thank you again.
It's not any of my business what her treatment/regimen is for diabetes. I know her through another illness support site and I'm aware of some of the other illnesses that she has to deal with so treatment or diet prescribed for other diabetics may negatively impact her other conditions.
I've asked her to let me know how it goes and I'll post as such if and when I hear back from her. Thank you again.
#12
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New York City/NY22
Programs: AA Platinum 2.3MM (Lifetime PLT)
Posts: 5,285
Thank you all for the responses. She's going to give it a go and if worse comes to worse she's just going to let it go.
It's not any of my business what her treatment/regimen is for diabetes. I know her through another illness support site and I'm aware of some of the other illnesses that she has to deal with so treatment or diet prescribed for other diabetics may negatively impact her other conditions.
I've asked her to let me know how it goes and I'll post as such if and when I hear back from her. Thank you again.
It's not any of my business what her treatment/regimen is for diabetes. I know her through another illness support site and I'm aware of some of the other illnesses that she has to deal with so treatment or diet prescribed for other diabetics may negatively impact her other conditions.
I've asked her to let me know how it goes and I'll post as such if and when I hear back from her. Thank you again.
Your friend might want to get one of these.
Good luck!
Last edited by Landing Gear; Mar 27, 2008 at 11:27 am Reason: Link Added
#13
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New York City/NY22
Programs: AA Platinum 2.3MM (Lifetime PLT)
Posts: 5,285
I'd like to take the high road here.
TheGeneral, I'm guessing you may not be very familiar with diabetes and with people in the situation of OP's friend. Here is a web reference about people in her situation, "Recently diagnosed" from the American Diabetes Association that I found via Google.
Also, from WebMd:
TheGeneral, I'm guessing you may not be very familiar with diabetes and with people in the situation of OP's friend. Here is a web reference about people in her situation, "Recently diagnosed" from the American Diabetes Association that I found via Google.
Also, from WebMd:
If not controlled, diabetes can cause a host of complications that can affect nearly every organ in the body. They include:
The heart and blood vessels
The eyes
The kidneys
The nerves
The gums and teeth
The heart and blood vessels
The eyes
The kidneys
The nerves
The gums and teeth
#14
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: BOS and vicinity
Programs: Former UA 1P
Posts: 3,725
I'm not sure if people get prescriptions for Glucerna. They do sell food in the airport, so I don't see why this would really qualify as something a diabetic needs as medicine.
...
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
...
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
A responsible person brings the supplies that they need to take care of themselves through the course of reasonably possible disruptions.
It's disgusting that we even have to talk about this, and makes the USA look more and more like East Germany or the USSR. TSA should not be practicing medicine or parenting, as they have done at several airports by denying passengers food/liquid for themselves or their children that they or their physicians deem necessary. TSA should get out of the business of banning entire states of matter, and harmless everyday items that are not threats to aircraft. The liquid ban is insane, and any benefit-of-the doubt TSA deserves on it fades away as we approach two years of this nonsense.
#15
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: AVL and Almond, NC
Programs: Earthling, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 914
I'm not sure if people get prescriptions for Glucerna. They do sell food in the airport, so I don't see why this would really qualify as something a diabetic needs as medicine. It's not even something that's overly good for a diabetic. It has some protein, but a ton of carbs and something like Muscle Milk or Designer Protein would be far better for a diabetic.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food. To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.