Five Tips For Traveling With Diabetes

Written by “MiniMed™ Care” based on feedback from people with diabetes using MiniMed™ pump therapy

Although it will require a good understanding of how to manage supplies, with proper preparation, Type 1 diabetes should not restrict or discourage anyone’s wish to travel.

Here are a few tips people have shared that you may find helpful.

1. Packing

Best to have the mentality of “better to have more of what you need, than not enough,” so pack extra of everything. For a short trip inside a multi-fit case, pack at least three infusion sets, reservoirs, insulin, batteries, testing kit, sensor supplies if you use them, a pack of syringes or spare pen and needles just in case. For longer trips, pack enough for what you need for the whole trip and then add half again just in case.

2. Insulin

You may be thinking why would I forget to bring insulin? But it’s not about packing a bottle of insulin, it’s about packing at least two full bottles in different bags (put all insulin in carry-on bags, never in your checked-bags). Insulin can get lost, misplaced, and even stolen while on the road. Having that extra vial packed in a different bag helps to avoid having to locate a pharmacy on the road, or trying to communicate your needs in a foreign language.

3. Storing Insulin

Whilst traveling, many hotels provide you with a mini fridge free of charge, or at very low cost, to store your insulin. Just ask the front desk while checking in if they have any available, or you can call ahead of time, too. Most hotels have no issue supplying a mini fridge, as long as they’re available. Keeping your insulin refrigerated reduces the chance of it getting too warm and becoming unusable or spoiling.

4. Airport Security

A few years back, security service at airports were not very familiar with insulin pump technology and they didn’t know how to process a person with diabetes through security with one. This has gotten a lot better in recent years but for those of you who have not traveled yet with your insulin pump, here are a few tips from our users’ experience:

• Explain to the security personnel that you are wearing a medical device.
• You do need to remove your insulin pump and CGM if you’re going through one of the airport body scanners. Never send your pump and CGM through an x-ray machine or body scanner as it may damage the part of the pump that regulates insulin delivery.
• Once you are done with the body scan, they may have you put your insulin pump in your hands and then swab your hands. This process only takes a few extra seconds to complete.

5. Travel Companion/Medical Bracelet:

If you travel for your job, it’s always good to have someone you travel with know you have diabetes, the signs of high and low blood glucose, and what to do in both scenarios. They can check up on you from time to time and make sure you are feeling okay. It’s really nice to know someone is looking out for you. If you travel alone, it is a great idea to wear a medical bracelet or ID necklace so people can assist you in case of an emergency. Be sure the medical bracelet or ID necklace has your Name, Address, Phone Number, a friend or loved one’s Name and Phone Number, and of course that you are diabetic. There are many online outlets where you can buy custom Medical IDs.

To finish up….

The most important thing is to get out and travel. Don’t feel like you can’t, the world is a very amazing place with so many beautiful things to see. Enjoy life to its fullest! Diabetes is not a reason to just stay home. Get out and enjoy your life and the world.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems.
• Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms. Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps
• Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day.
• Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately. Medtronic Diabetes Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems
• The information provided by CGM systems is intended to supplement, not replace, blood glucose information obtained using a home glucose meter. A confirmatory fingerstick is required prior to treatment.
• Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding or irritation at the insertion site. Consult a physician immediately if you experience significant pain or if you suspect that the site is infected.
• Explain to the security personnel that you are wearing a medical device.
• You do need to remove your insulin pump and CGM if you’re going through one of the airport body scanners. Never send your pump and CGM through an x-ray machine or body scanner as it may damage the part of the pump that regulates insulin delivery.
• Once you are done with the body scan, they may have you put your insulin pump in your hands and then swab your hands. This process only takes a few extra seconds to complete.

^{For detailed information regarding the instructions for use, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and potential adverse events, see the device manual. For further information, contact your health care provider and/or consult the Medtronic Website at http://www.medtronic-diabetes-mena.com. The medical information in this document is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. Medtronic expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this document / site.}

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