TRAVELING WITH DIABETES

It is that wonderful time of the year - children are finishing school, the festive season is nearing, and summer is finally here! This is also the time when most of us travel.  

The great thing about holidays and travelling is that we tend to break out of our routines.  New activities and experiences, different food, long flights and different time zones can all affect your diabetes control. It is thus even more important to ensure that you monitor your glucose levels and be prepared to respond should need be.

When traveling by plane, we advise that you carry your Airport Information Card with you and please take note of the following

• It is important to notify security screening personnel that you have diabetes, that you are wearing an insulin pump and that you have diabetes supplies in your hand luggage.
• Remember, you can continue to wear your insulin pump with the transmitter while going through common security systems such as airport metal detector, but do not send the devices through the x-ray machine.  Please refer to possible Equipment Interference
• Should you go through an airport body scanner, remove your insulin pump and transmitter.  You may however keep your devices on you and request an alternative pat-down screening.

Packing for your trip may take some planning but will ensure that you enjoy your break.  Before you leave home, make sure that you take enough insulin, glucose, test strips and consumables with you.  You might even consider taking a backup meter and an insulin pen.   In most cases, when traveling by plane, it is strongly recommended that you carry all this with you in your hand luggage. 

CHECKLIST: MATERIAL TO CARRY WITH YOU ON TRIPS

• Spare supply of insulin with a prescription, in addition to the usual supplies for the days away from home. 
• Insulin tanks (consider changing every 2/3 days and bring some spares) 
• Infusion set (consider changing every 2/3 days and bring some spares) 
• Spare Energiser AA Batteries for the pump 
• Spare Energiser AAA Batteries for the sensor charger 
• Bayer Glucose Meter
• Blood Glucose Test Strips 
• Lancing device
• Enlite sensors (consider changing every 6 days and bring some spares)
• Additional adhesives for the infusion set and for the sensor 
• Sensor inserter
• Set inserter (if provided)
• Continuous glucose monitoring with Guardian2Link transmitter and charger (with battery charged)
• Emergency insulin syringes (“pens”) (rapid-acting and short-acting) 
• Glucagon emergency kit
• Glucose tablets or quickly absorbed carbohydrates 
• Ketones urine test
• Health insurance card 
• Clearance from your doctor addressed to the airport authorities 
• Insulin Pump Programming Summary Sheet

The above material must be stored in its original containers, which ascertain the names and the characteristics of the products.

We also recommend that you save the following Medtronic 24 Hour Support numbers on your phone:

South Africa 0800 633 7867

Sub-Sahara +2711 260 9490

International +1.818.576.5555

Once you are in the air, it is time to relax and ensure that you enjoy every minute of your well-deserved break!

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.