Navigating Airport Security with an Insulin Pump and/or Sensor

[Northerner]

New technologies are constantly being developed for diabetes management. It is impossible to know in advance all of the possible ramifications relating to patient care and safety. A recent report1 and editorial2 raised concern about the effects of pressure changes during air travel on insulin delivery from an insulin pump. A similar situation may exist with current airport safety screening and insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. There is a potential for problems, and people need to be made aware of currently recommended practices. With all of the changes a person makes with airplane travel (including food intake, stress, and exercise), along with the potential for technological difficulties, more frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose levels remains highly recommended.

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/dia.2012.0220

 

[Phil65]

Interesting Alan, However I haven't faced any problems with flying long haul or short haul. The main thing is to test regularly, I found flying hasn't affected my insulin delivery but I have found that a 200% TBR works for me based on inactivity.....takes time and practice to discover what TBR is right for oneself.

 

[AlisonF]

I find I always test more when I fly longhaul - between the inactivity and the timezone changes it helps me keep an eye on what's going on. So any issues would be spotted early and dealt with.