subject: Holiday Travel With An Insulin Pump [print this page] As a diabetic, there are already many health issues regarding holiday travel. This is further compounded when one needs to travel with an insulin pump because of the new FAA security procedures currently in force.
The following are some of the tips that a diabetic needs to consider when traveling with an insulin pump:
1.Get Doctor's Advice. Do seek your doctor's approval when traveling as a diabetic and find out possible contact persons they recommend in the area where you would be vacationing for medical issues along the way.
2.Bring Extra Supplies. When flying, it would be best to have extra supplies of your medication and other implements. Do carry them in your carry on luggage so as not to lose them or get mishandled.
3.Be Informed. When flying, do declare all your diabetes supplies brought on the plane. Lancets, insulin pens and other chemicals may set off alarms when going through the security checks. Knowing what to do and what to day can help make the security checks easier for your diabetes supplies.
4.Declare Insulin Pumps. Because the insulin pump is an electronic attachment attached to the body, security checks may be an issue. Pat downs may dislodge the needle attachment while scanners may disengage the sensitive settings for insulin regulation. X-ray scans may render insulin unviable so it is important to be properly apprised on the security checks undertaken when traveling by air.
5.Prepare Back Ups. When you have an insulin pump attachment, it would be best to have a back up pump and batteries in case something happens to your primary insulin pump. If you cannot afford another one, then having a plan B as to diabetes and insulin management needs to be properly done not only by the diabetic but also the companions.
6.Determining Time Zones. When one travels, it is essential that the insulin pump's time mechanism be properly adjusted especially when time zones change. This is important when programming for multiple basal rates as the time zone affects the body's overall metabolism.
As can be seen, traveling with an insulin pump is not easy. One needs to get doctor's advice, bring extra supplies, be informed of security procedures, declaration of insulin supplies, prepare back up supplies and adjustment to time zones need to be properly planned out before hand to prevent any medical issues that may occur during the flight or other travel mode. This can only help the diabetes enjoy the holidays even with the excess baggage, so to speak.
by: Bobby Castro
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