How do medical devices impact travel for people living with diabetes?
Travelling with diabetes experiences wanted for survey.
People with diabetes who have experience of navigating airport security while using medical devices, including continuous glucose monitors (CGM), are being sought to share their experiences for a survey.
The survey is being carried out by Rachel Crawford, who produced the Medical Device Awareness Card, launched in partnership with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Airport Operators Association (AOA).
The Medical Device Awareness Card offers guidance and recommendations for both passengers and security staff to remind that “passengers with a medical device such as an insulin pump or CGMs should not be screened by a security scanner; if they opt out of this they must be offered an alternative screening method”.
Rachel said: “We’re conducting a short survey to gather feedback on airport security experiences for passengers who use insulin pumps, CGMs, or other medical devices that require alternative screening. Your input will help us raise awareness and advocate for better training and procedures at UK airports. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete.”
The survey requests feedback on how the process went – and can be completed to reflect experiences at different airports.
The survey introduction said: “Insulin pump and CGM manufacturers advise against exposing devices to x-ray or full-body scanners at airports due to potential damage (read statements). Passengers are entitled to request alternative screening, such as a pat-down with explosive trace detection (ETD). We are conducting a short survey to better understand travellers’ experiences with airport security while using medical devices over the past 2 years (since July 2023). Your feedback will help us assess the level of support provided and highlight areas where improvements are needed. Thank you for taking a moment to share your experience. If a frequent flyer, please complete one form for each airport.”
To participate in the Traveller Feedback: Navigating Airport Security with Medical Devices study, click here
NOTE: DRWF will from time-to-time advise readers of ‘calls to participate’ in diabetes and related health research studies. It should not necessarily be considered that the charity is in any way connected to the study or the group issuing the call for participants. If we are involved in any way, we will make this known. We will only share external calls where we have confirmed that the study holds ethics committee approval, and the study is specific to diabetes and related health. Taking part in a medical research study is a big step and further helpful information can be found via the National Institute for Health and Care Research Clinical Trials Guide.
Our Diabetes Travellers Checklist is available FREE on request. We provide these valuable tools to ensure that people with diabetes are well prepared for their journey and enjoy a safe and happy trip. As a charity that exists largely on fundraised income and voluntary donations, a contribution towards the cost of providing this useful tool, is very much appreciated.
Request yours here
Travelling with Diabetes webinar
We recently hosted a special holiday edition of our United Through Diabetes webinar series, where we discussed everything you need to know about travelling safely with diabetes.
Access travelling with diabetes resources here including Medical Device Awareness Card and more
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