Pumps, Sensors and Airport Security

Travelling through Airport Security with an Insulin Pump and Glucose Sensor

A recent case published in the medical journal, Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (2012, Volume 14, pages 984-5) highlighted the potential problem for people with diabetes using and insulin pump or glucose sensor when faced with the demands of airport security.

When an insulin pump (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion - CSII) or glucose sensor (continuous glucose monitoring system-CGMS) is passed through airport security equipment there is the potential for the motor in the devices to be affected by electromagnetic fields. It does depend on the device. In a nutshell, insulin pumps and glucose sensors can pass relatively safely through airport metal detectors (these have low magnetic energy). However the airport body scanners is, in fact, a low energy X-ray system and can cause interference.

At a practical level the advice is to remove the devices if the traveller has to pass through a full-body scanner or alternatively request a pat-down by the security officer. The only exception is the Omnipod insulin pump (Insulet Corp, Bedford, MA, USA) which is made in such a way (no direct current motor) making it safe from electromagnetic fields.  

For more information on all aspects of travel and diabetes go to our main website at www.VoyageMD.com