If you fly, watch your glucose monitor and insulin pump !
The X-ray security scanners at airports can damage the devices used by diabetics to control their condition, such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. No trip to do without, but should take steps to protect their health and functioning of the traveler with diabetes.
If you have diabetes and plan to travel by plane for vacation or for work, they should be alert if you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor. When you go through the airport security area, both your body and your carry-on will be exposed to X-rays produced by scanners that check for passengers and luggage. As reported by an editorial in the journal DiabetesTechnology & Therapeutics , the X-ray exposure can cause these devices (as required to control your condition) may not work properly.
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The report recommends that travelers with diabetes get a letter from your doctor to specify the diagnosis and provisions that the person needs to carry in the cockpit. You should also determine if the person needs to use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor, emphasizing that they should not be going through the X-ray scanners and security controls, and must be manually reviewed.
The editorial also mentioned models of insulin pumps that can affect more. In general, any insulin pump that uses what is known as a technology of DC motor can be damaged by exposure to X-rays Among those that use this technology are bombs brands.
Experts recommend that if the person must go through the full body scanner for travelers and has an insulin pump type t: Slim ( Touch Simplicity ), or Tandem , to remove them because they should not be exposed to the rays either of equipment checked luggage.
At present, the only insulin pump approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the United States) that does not use direct current technology is the OmniPod (Insulet). This is the only technology that uses random wiring shape memory and according to the manufacturer, you can go through the security apparatus without suffering setbacks (ie you can continue working well).
The company Medtronic , meanwhile, recommends avoiding your continuous glucose monitor is exposed to X-rays, although there is no risk if you go through a metal detector.
The pressure inside the cabin is another important factor
The increased pressure inside the cabinet may cause insulin pump provide a little more insulin than normal. In adolescents and adults, this slight increase does not cause a problem as it is not big enough to make a big difference in blood glucose levels. However, in the case of children who require small amounts of insulin, the additional amount may cause a drop in the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood known as hypoglycemia . Parents should be aware of this possibility and should carefully monitor the child during travel to detect a decrease (low glucose) unexpected.
Moreover, the sensitivity of the continuous glucose monitor also may be affected by changes in air pressure inside the cabin, which can cause lower readings.
Other tips if you’re traveling
1. the move to another city or country will change your routine. measure your glucose more often, since changes of schedule activities and may affect your blood sugar levels.
2. sure to bring the medicines you take every day, and most (twice) if travel delays occur. If it is a long trip, you should consider schedule changes so you know exactly when to take them.
3 . If you are using insulin , leads an emergency kit. Low temperature and keep it in an insulated bag with cold gel packs.
4. takes some snack in your purse, or glucose tablets in case you lower your blood glucose (sugar) in the blood.
5 . Do not forget to have on hand your health insurance card, and the name and phone number of your doctor in case of emergency and medical identification stating that you suffer from diabetes.
6. Put all medications in your carry-on baggage and refreshments at your seat, for easy access to them. Do not keep them in the airplane overhead bins.
7. Arise to walk every hour or every two hours, to decrease the risk of developing blood clots in the legs.
8. Saves syringes and other devices to inject insulin in their original packaging and make sure they have a label that identifies them as pharmaceutical drugs.
9. If meals are served during the flight, by prior arrangement diabetic food, low in fat and cholesterol. If not used, pack healthy and nutritious foods.
10. When you are at your destination, do not interrupt your fitness routine. Try to do some activity, albeit in separate sections of 10 minutes, but who accumulate a total of two hours a week.
You take care of your diabetes control wherever you need it and your devices work properly. Protect them from anything that might affect them, including airport X-rays.