What do I do with insulin pump and bloodsugar transmitter while on an airplane?
October 31, 2009 by Diabetes and Blood Glucose Tips
Filed under More Diabetes Answers
Can you answer Joy’s question about Diabetes?:
I’m getting ready to take a trip and am diabetic. What do I do with my insulin pump and transmitter while on the plane?
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I’m getting ready to take a trip and am diabetic. What do I do with my insulin pump and transmitter while on the plane?
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Diabetes Feedback: Ask a dr for a note and a perscription, carry this with you.
Also call the airlines to be safe, if you dont do not have the nerve to be upset when there is a problem, that being said. You shouldnt have a problem witht he right documentation
Diabetes Feedback: I agree with the answer before mine.
Diabetes Feedback: Get a note from your doctor. You will be able to travel with them.
Diabetes Feedback: I agree with the above, there is no excuse for the airline to ask you to discontinue medication you need. Just have some documentation from your doctor and there should be no problem.
Diabetes Feedback: I wear a pump and travel regularly with it. The airline security personnel have been trained to recognize the pumps in general. (Maybe not every model, but the type of unit it is). One screener told me that their training includes identifying medical devices (oxygen equipment, braces and prostetic limbs, hearing aids, speech modulators, etc.)
I usually wear my pump on my waistband, rather than concealed — and as I pass through the security I point it out to the staff. In every case, they wave me right through. If you usually hide yours under clothing, consider wearing it visibly, at least as long as you’re in the security area. Mine has never beeped the security tunnel, either.
Only one time I was asked to have it chemical-swabbed, out of 20+ flights. BUT, I’d switched schedules, and got the super-duper pat-down anyway, just for having a fresh ticket.
The transmitter (meter to pump) only has a small range, and isn’t strong enough to interfere with airline electronics.
However, I do have a general letter from my doctor that I carry with my passport for international travel. It indicates that I am diabetic, I am carrying insulin and syringes in addition to the medically necessary pump and supplies. I have NEVER been asked to produce it or defend wearing the unit.
Since you’ve accustomed your body to receiving insulin on a regular schedule, you run more risk of trying to switch back to injections and manage your glucose levels, in any case.