Traveling with diabetes, insulin pumps
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/insulin-pumps/MY01618
- With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
Nancy Klobassa Davidson and Peggy Moreland
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., B.S.N, C.D.E
Nancy Klobassa Davidson is a registered nurse who has worked in diabetes education for 17 years. She is a certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.) and is currently in graduate school working on a Master of Science in nursing (M.S.N.) and health care education.Nancy works with adults who have type 1, type 2 and other forms of diabetes. Nancy is coordinator of the Diabetes Unit's intensive insulin therapy program within the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Nancy has worked extensively with insulin pump therapy and continuous interstitial glucose sensing.
Peggy Moreland, R.N., M.S.N.
Peggy Moreland is a certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.) in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.Peggy graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing and Health Care Education from the University of Phoenix and is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association. A certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.), Peggy enjoys working with patients to set and achieve diabetes self-management goals.
Latest entries
- Diabetes etiquette: When you don't have diabetes
May 2, 2013
- Coping with diabetes: Helping your loved one
April 24, 2013
- Types of diabetes
March 16, 2013
- Taking diabetes drugs
Feb. 27, 2013
- Insulin or medication?
Feb. 13, 2013
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Living with diabetes blog
-
Dec. 13, 2012
Traveling with diabetes, insulin pumps
By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
Many of you will be flying for the holidays. You may be wondering how Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations at airports affect you, particularly if you use an insulin pump.
Diabetes supplies
First, it's a good idea to arrive at the airport with ample time prior to your flight departure, particularly during peak travel periods. Let the security officer know that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Once screened, the following diabetes-related supplies and equipment — including insulin pumps — are allowed through the airport checkpoint:
- Insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products — vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, biojectors, epipens, infusers and preloaded syringes
- Unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication
- Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs and meter-testing solutions
- Insulin pumps and insulin pump supplies — cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kits, catheters and needles (insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin)
- A glucagon emergency kit
- Urine ketone test strips
- Used syringes when transported in a Sharps disposal container or another similar hard-surface container
- Sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface disposal containers for storing used syringes and test strips
Insulin pumps and full-body scanners
You may also be wondering if an insulin pump can go through the full-body scanner. We recommend that you check with your insulin pump company. And chances are that the insulin pump may trigger a secondary pat down.
I recently read an article on airport security and insulin pumps or sensors in the November 11, 2012 issue of Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. The authors state that "new technologies are constantly being developed for diabetes management" and that "it is impossible to know in advance all of the possible ramifications relating to patient care and safety." Apparently, when an insulin pump or sensor is passed through a full-body scanner or X-ray scanner, there may be a risk of electromagnetic malfunction.
Insulin pump manufacturers typically recommend that you remove your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitoring device before going through the body scanner. However, don't send your devices through the X-ray machine as an alternative.
It's safest to check with your insulin pump or sensor manufacturer for the latest information before flying. Consider calling the manufacturer's customer service line or checking their website. For example:
- Medtronic's website includes a chart of devices and equipment that may cause interference with your insulin pump or sensor and guidelines for what to do when encountering such equipment.
- Animas's website currently recommends removing the insulin pump prior to using a body scanner. As an alternative, Animas suggests asking for a "walk through" or "pat down" inspection.
- OmniPod currently states on their website that their PDM (patient diabetes manager) and Pods can safely pass through airport X-ray machines.
Tips for a smooth travel experience
Whenever possible, bring prescription labels for medications and medical devices. Hopefully, this will make the security process go more smoothly. Pack your medications in a separate, clear bag and keep that bag in your carry-on luggage. Don't forget to include a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood sugar as well as an easy-to-carry snack such as a nutrition bar. And always carry or wear a form of medical identification that includes contact information for your doctor. Finally, pack extra supplies.
Additional information can be found on the TSA website.
Happy holidays and safe travels!
Peggy
5 comments posted
Share on:
5 comments posted