Just before the outbreak of Coronavirus I had to fly home for a family emergency. Scary to think that the virus was here already. I’m lucky not to have caught it. Traveling with diabetes is tricky.    

Diabetes Devices 

I don’t mind the TSA pat down. I appreciate it. I appreciate KNOWING I can’t go through the scanners. I have had diabetes for almost 4 decades. Years ago while on my insulin pump, this was never mentioned (early years). Again, SCARY. They weren’t savy to this stuff yet, yikes!

This – One of many drawbacks of being a Type 1 diabetic from the dinosaur days. I refer to myself as a diabetesaurus.

We NOW know that our insulin pumps & continuous glucose monitors can not go through airport X-ray machines and body scanners. We get security pat downs instead. They give an option of privacy, offering to do the security check in a private area. I’m good out in the open, doesn’t bother me. No shame for this dame.

Wonder if my Minimed/Medtronic pump (2000-2012) was affected during my travel years long ago.

I went through the scanners, yet never had a pump malfunction in the 10+ years that I wore one. I am no longer wearing a pump, but I now wear a Dexcom cgm.

 Roller Coasters and Diabetes Devices  

In addition to travel, I’m a roller coaster junkie! Never met a crazy ride I didn’t like!! Sure enough, wore my pump on many thrill rides! Whoops again! Come to find out, you guessed it, pumps and cgms are not roller coaster-friendly. Why? Many amusement park rides use gravity forces and powerful electromagnets that interfere with our medical devices.

Check with your doctor first – I am now told to disconnect the pump before the ride. Or, rely on insulin pens on that particular day.

Cgms? Again, ask your Doctor and the cgm manufacturer. The info I’ve come across recommends leaving it on, being diligent about finger pricking throughout your day to ensure you are getting accurate readings. So yes, carry your glucose meter.

Options For Traveling With Diabetes   

We have options to help ease our way through security. The first is getting a note from your Doctor stating your condition. Arrive early so that your luggage is checked in and you have plenty of time to get through security. 

TSA Passenger Assistance 

TSA provides a program called TSA Cares. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures This program was designed to assist us in a smoother travel experience.

You can request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist to accompany you through security. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support Call 72 hours prior to traveling to arrange this.

And last, you can download a notification card from TSA. Just print and fill out. https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/disability_notification_card_508.pdf

If & when I decide to go back on a pump, I will be much more AWARE.  I don’t foresee travel anytime soon, or roller coasters. For now, I am grateful that I didn’t catch anything on this last flight in February. Geez, still freaks me out!

In my next travel adventure, I plan to utilize the TSA identification card, along with a Doctor’s note. And once again, will NOT go through security scanners. I will opt for another pat down.