TRAVELLING WITH AN INSULIN PUMP

TRAVELLING WITH AN INSULIN PUMP
TIPS TO HELP YOU BE PREPARED
When it comes to travelling with Type 1 diabetes, it’s best to follow the Boy Scouts motto: Be Prepared.
Detailed planning and preparation are the keys to an enjoyable and relaxing holiday.
Preparing for travel
• Schedule an office visit with your healthcare provider at least
4-6 weeks prior to departure to discuss your travel itinerary and
diabetes treatment plan.
•Become familiar with foods of your destination and their
carbohydrate amounts.
•Review your medical insurance regarding medical coverage
outside of Canada.
•Develop a back-up plan for time off the pump in case of a technical emergency.
•Bring 2-3 times as many pump supplies that you may require, along with long-acting insulin, syringes and/or insulin pens
– pump supplies and related products may not be available in other countries or require a prescription to purchase.*
Packing for travel (Travel checklist)
c A back-up vacation loaner pump
c Infusion sets and cartridges
c Insulin (rapid and long-acting)
c Blood glucose monitor and test strips
c Lancing device and lancets
c Skin preparation dressings or adhesive
c Extra batteries for pump/meter
c Extra battery cap and cartridge cap for pump
c Extra pump clip and/or pump case
c A list of current pump settings
c Syringes or insulin pens
c Sharps container
c Ketone test strips
c Hypoglycemia treatment (glucose tabs, Glucagon, etc.)
c Any other medications you require (e.g. Gravol®)
c Copies of all prescriptions
c Copies of physician’s orders for dosing of rapid and long-acting insulin
c Emergency contact numbers
Travelling with a pump
•Pack medications in original bottles and packaging.
•Keep food and glucose within easy reach. Do not pack these in your checked luggage or in overhead bins.
•Be aware that higher altitudes and warmer temperatures might decrease or increase insulin requirements.
•Monitor, monitor, monitor! Changes in eating, sleeping patterns, and activity levels can affect your blood glucose levels.
Passing through airport security
• Notify screeners if you are wearing an insulin pump and ask if they will visually inspect the pump since it is attached to your person.
•Your pump should not go through the X-ray screening that is used for carry-on or checked luggage.
Whole Body Imaging Technology is also a form of X-ray and you will need to disconnect from the pump at your insertion site
if you opt to go through the body scan instead of a manual search.
•Additional questions related to insulin pumps and X-ray or radiation exposure should be directed to Animas Corporation,
Product Support at 1-877-937-9867 (1-610-644-8990 outside of North America).
Living with diabetes can be an adventure of its own. By taking the time to organize all of your required supplies
and medical care prior to travelling, you can rest easy and take pleasure in your trip away.
*Animas Canada will only ship pump supplies and insulin pumps within Canada.
Animas® and OneTouch® Ping® are registered trademarks and used under license.
© 2013 LifeScan Canada Ltd., Burnaby, BC V5C 6S7 AW101-129B 07/2013