I've never had any issues when travelling, always had a letter or prescription on me though, just in case.
I would imagine security staff see insulin pens coming through quite frequently so recognise them for what they are, not a 'syringe' as the article insists! Of course though there is an arguement that they should have checked the contents of it.
I can see in the future medical supplies like insulin having to be held by the airline staff and having to ask for them when needed, if security continues to be 'increased' i'm not sure what other method they could employ.
They are more comfortable if the insulin cartidges are sealed. As for proving the content of the cartidge is insulin, are they going to make us inject to prove it is?
The handing over of medical supplies to a member of staff will probably prove difficult, not least at the only area they have to store anything is very limited. Once upon a time there used to be a cloakroom or cupboard for hats and coats, been a while since I was last asked for mine.
Then there is the issue is you're unwell and your meter and everything is with a member of staff how long will it take to get your supplies back to you.
I have flown with syringes, August 2009 was the last time, when I'm away for any time I always take 10 syringes with me, just in case I have a pen fail, at least I can inject for a few days while either sourcing a new pen or syringes while away.
Again, never needed my open letter from my GP or had to explain in the past couple of years about my being diabetic or anything I am carrying, not one problem.
In August last year flying out on holiday I walked through airport security with all my medical supplies in one bag, including controlled drugs (pain killers) all documented and didn't have one question asked. My partner had a swiss army knife in the bottom of a bag and got treated almost as a terrorist. It was just as well I was with her as the little hitler from Group4 needed a few points of legal system explaining to him and even when his management tried to explain he was wrong he wasn't for having it.
His manager confiscated the knife and held it until we returned.
It's good they do their jobs, I know my partner wouldn't have used the knife (it was too blunt!) but their approach was far too heavy handed, the guy seemed to get sent home for his actions.