Insulin Pumps and Security
 

I travel frequently and have Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes. Last week I moved from injections to the insulin pump. The pump itself looks like a small BB, but has a plastic tube that connects to a cathater that is inserted into my stomach (not painful at all.)

I'd be interested in hearing about anyone's experiences traveling with an insulin pump, especially as it relates to security. I really don't want to have to disconnect when I get to security, so I assume I am in line for numerous detailed searches by TSA agents.

I do not have such a device, but you should never be asked or required to disconnect it. If any screener ever asks you to do so refuse and immediately ask for his/her supervisor.

Here's what the TSA website says about insulin pumps:

Two of my friends are type 1's with pumps. One was told here at CMH that he HAD to disconnect the pump so that it could be x-rayed. He had to open it up so they could look at the insulin (in case he had a pump of subcutaneous Semtex?)

My other friend was just subject to lengthy frisking at CMH, which he described as "unreasonable." As he pointed out, the bulky item was the pump. There was no reason for him to have to open his belt, be patted down elsewhere, etc.

I'm sure that the DHS imagines that terrorists are already scheming to pose as diabetics.

The only problem with this rationale is that if the insulin pump alarms the walk-thru metal detector (and many do), it's impossible for us (screeners) to know if it's ONLY the pump that's causing the alarm, unless we do additional screening.

After all, you could have an insulin pump, AND a gun in your pocket!

And our standard secondary screening procedure calls for using the hand-held metal detector and doing a quick pat-down.

Yes, going through the checkpoint IS a bit more complicated for people with implanted metal or attached devices, but I just don't see any way around the issue at present. Hopefully someday, we'll have better and less invasive technology!

Thanks for the info. It's no problem if I need to be patted down as I understand the need for the TSA to be as thorough as possible. I just don't want to have to disconnect the pump in a public and non-hygenic environment.

You might want to print this page out and carry it with you on the not-so-off chance that you come across an over-zealous screener:

Travelers with Diabetes

I would urge also that you refuse to remove your shoes because of your medical condition. You pick up bugs on your socks while standing on those filthy floors and then transfer those bugs to a nice warm moist environment where they can thrive and multiply when you put your shoes back on.

My brother has type 1 diabetes, but he never has any problems. He told me, that he carries with him a paper from his doctor explaining what this device is, in case he falls into some freaks hands or through customs in a foreign 3rd world country where they never heard of a pump, so they can read about it on a doc's letterhead. I know that every doctor should have a template letter ready for you with explanation on the pump, some even have it in a few languages, like my brother that has it in 3 languages. Enjoy and don't worry.

Awesome -- thanks for the info.

The only problem I have ever had has been in third world countries. The security people in Nigeria looked at me like I was nuts and wanted me to detach the pump. In cases like that I usually explain that it is medicine, it keeps me alive, and I cannot remove it. Then, if they still look befuddled, I pull up my shirt, freak them out with a quick look at the insertion site, and curse them in a language they do not speak. Truth is, I suppose I could disconnect it for the 30 seconds it takes to run through the X-Ray.

No issues in the US - I stick it in my pocket and 9 times out of 10 it does not trigger the metal detector.

In short, don't sweat it.

I have had type II for 8 years, and have been on both a insulin pump or injections for over 5 years. I always carry a written note from my healthcare provider regarding such with an active Rx for the insulin. I always tell the screening staff that I have Diabetes and I have a pump and other diabetic supplies with me. The secondary screening has never been that big of a deal for me. The only issue I have ever have is in Hong Kong. They always for some reason require me to do a finger stick to test my blood sugar. I also make sure that the letter from the physician outlines all my other medications that I take and carry the pharmacy RX from each at all times. This has always seemed to calm the boat in every port so to speak, make sure that it includes insulin pump supplies, if you are traveling internationally - at least that is what I have found.