Tasmania’s much-anticipated Pollie Pedal 2025 officially launched today, with riders embarking from Hagley Farm School in Launceston.

Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett, and Diabetes Australia Chief Operating Officer Craig Sedgman joined students and supporters to celebrate the event’s impact in raising funds and awareness for diabetes.

The inspiring three-day cycling event, which runs from February 28 to March 2, will see cyclists traverse over 300km of Tasmania’s stunning landscape, riding to support the 88,000 Tasmanians living with diabetes and prediabetes.

For Deputy Premier Barnett, an old boy of Hagley Farm School who lives with type 1 diabetes and takes part in Pollie Pedal every year, the event is a personal and community milestone.

Before he started cycling, Deputy Premier Barnett was delighted to meet Hagley Farm School Year 4 student Charlie Medwin and his parents, Karissa and Jesse. Charlie has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in April last year, and was a special representative of the diabetes community at the Pollie Pedal launch this morning.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Barnett emphasized the event’s importance beyond the cycling challenge.

“Pollie Pedal is about resilience, community, and the determination to make a difference. As someone who manages type 1 diabetes every day, I understand the significance of support, education, and research in changing lives,” Mr Barnett said.

“This ride is a powerful way to unite Tasmanians in our mission to reduce the impact of diabetes. Every turn of the pedals represents hope for those living with this condition. Whether you ride, donate, or cheer from the sidelines, your contribution matters.”

Diabetes Australia COO Craig Sedgman praised the Tasmanian community’s enduring commitment to the cause.

“Pollie Pedal is more than a fundraising event. It’s a movement of people coming together to drive change and create a healthier future,” Mr Sedgman said.

“We know that diabetes affects around two million Australians, and the numbers are rising. But through initiatives like Pollie Pedal, we can provide vital programs, invest in prevention, and support those already living with diabetes.

“Worryingly, rates of diabetes have increased by 32% nationally over the past decade.

“We need urgent action to stem the tide of this epidemic and support people who are living with diabetes. Community events like Pollie Pedal support us to do that important work,” he said.

Since its inception in 2006, Pollie Pedal has raised over $850,000, funding essential diabetes programs and research. The 2025 ride will take cyclists through Tasmania’s breathtaking Meander and Tamar Valleys, passing through seaside towns, rolling farmlands, and vibrant rural communities.

Pollie Pedal is open to cyclists of all abilities. Whether riding solo or forming a team, participants will not only experience Tasmania’s stunning backroads but also make a lasting impact on diabetes awareness and support.

Make a difference
To donate or learn more, visit: Pollie Pedal 2025 or email PolliePedal@diabetesaustralia.com.au.

Fast Facts about Pollie Pedal Tasmania 2025:

• Dates: February 28 – March 2, 2025
• Who can participate? Cyclists of all skill levels
• Funds raised since 2006: Over $850,000
• Cause: Supporting Tasmanians living with diabetes and funding prevention efforts

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, researchers and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

Diabetes Australia has welcomed commitments from both Labor and the Coalition to invest in more bulk billed GP visits.  

With Australia in the midst of a diabetes epidemic, greater access to primary care is necessary to support diabetes screening, as well as management, in order to avoid complications such as heart and kidney disease.  

The announcements mean GP bulk billing incentives will be expanded to all Australians and an additional new incentive payment will be established for practices that bulk bill every patient. 

With more than two million Australians living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, the condition is the cause of a growing crisis costing the health system $3.4 billion annually. 

The majority of diabetes management and review for type 2 diabetes occurs in the primary care setting, so investments that make it easier for people to access that care are welcome. 

In the lead up to the Federal Election, Diabetes Australia is also calling on both sides of politics to commit to funding equitable access to diabetes technologies. 

Expanding subsidies for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices will ensure Australians living with all types of diabetes have access to the technology they need to live well.  

Diabetes Australia is urging the Federal Government and the Opposition to commit $200 million over four years to expand subsidised access to diabetes technologies for those who would benefit the most.    

Diabetes Australia representatives are in Federal Parliament this week calling on both sides of politics to commit to funding equitable access to diabetes technologies during the upcoming Federal Election.  

Expanding subsidies for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices will ensure Australians living with all types of diabetes have access to the technology they need to live well. 

With more than 1.5 million Australians living with diabetes, and projections indicating that number will exceed 3.1 million by 2050, the need for affordable access to this technology has never been greater.  

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices (CGMs) and Insulin Pumps change, and save, lives. 

“Not only do they enhance quality of life, research shows that they also reduce hospital admissions, and prevent long-term complications such as heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure.  

“Yet, despite their life-saving potential, many Australians living with diabetes simply can’t afford these technologies,” Ms Cain said. 

“The cost-of-living crisis is placing immense pressure on Australians living with diabetes, forcing many to choose between essential medical technology and basic necessities. No one should have to make that choice.” 

Diabetes Australia is urging the Federal Government and the Opposition to commit $200 million over four years to expand subsidised access to diabetes technologies for those who would benefit the most.  

“We’re grateful that the Federal Government has expanded CGM subsidies for all Australians with type 1 diabetes in recent years; however, we still have a long way to go,” Ms Cain said.  

“People with type 2 diabetes requiring multiple daily insulin injections are still denied subsidised CGM access, despite clear evidence of improved health outcomes and cost savings for the healthcare system.  

“At the same time, thousands of Australians living with type 1 diabetes are unable to afford insulin pumps, with private health insurance being the only viable pathway for many. That’s an expensive option that remains out of reach for some people.” 

The recent Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes unequivocally supported the expansion of diabetes technology subsidies, stating that “ensuring better access to this technology for all Australians must be a priority”.  

Research has shown that insulin pumps and CGM technology significantly improve blood glucose management, reducing the risk of severe hypoglycaemia, improving time-in-range, and ultimately leads to fewer diabetes-related complications.  

The economic case is just as strong: expanding access will reduce emergency department visits, ambulance callouts, and hospitalisations, providing long-term savings for Australia’s healthcare system. 

Diabetes Australia’s proposed reforms will prioritise:

Insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes who are:

• under 21 years of age
• over 21 years of age with a health care card; and
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

CGM devices for people living with type 2 and other types of diabetes who are:

• pregnant
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• under the age of 21; and
• requiring multiple daily injections of insulin.

Ms Cain said the time for action is now because no Australian should be left behind. 

“Diabetes does not discriminate based on income, postcode, or background, so why should access to life-saving technology?” Ms Cain said. 

“We urge policymakers to commit to the $200 million investment outlined in our Position Statement, ensuring that every Australian has equitable access to the diabetes technology they need to lead healthier, fuller lives.” 

The Diabetes Alliance has called on the Federal Government to commit to, and fund, the recommendations of the Parliament Inquiry into Diabetes.

In a submission to the Federal Budget process, the Alliance highlighted key priorities from the recommendations including access to diabetes technologies, investment in research, support for the diabetes workforce and investment in prevention. 

With over two million Australians living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, the condition is the cause of a growing crisis costing the health system $3.4 billion annually.

The Parliamentary Inquiry report, The State of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia, includes 23 recommendations including support for expanding access to diabetes technologies, coordinating diabetes research, better funding the diabetes workforce and investing in diabetes prevention. The recommendations are a comprehensive package of measures that would begin to stem the tide of Australia’s diabetes epidemic

Diabetes Australia’s position statement on equitable access to technology formed part of the budget submission. It advocates for a staged approach to expanding subsidies for insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes and continuous glucose monitoring devices for people living with type 2 diabetes.

More funding for diabetes research is also a key focus for the Federal Budget. A decline in funding for diabetes research in Australia has had a significant impact on the field.

In 2023, NHMRC (the Australian Government’s primary health and medical research funding agency), provided only $19 million for diabetes research, which is less than half of the amount allocated in 2022.

A budget submission from the Australian Diabetes Society, Diabetes Australia and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association calls for $50 million in funding for priority areas of research including the causes of diabetes, prevention and remission, complications, and the rates of diabetes in the general population; as well as $75 million for diabetes-specific investigator grants.

The sector acknowledges and celebrates the Federal Government’s announcement last year to fund the Clinical Research Network of JDRF Australia. This is a significant investment in type 1 diabetes research. The Alliance is advocating for investment in other areas of diabetes research as well.

The Australian Diabetes Alliance

The Australian Diabetes Alliance comprises the country’s major diabetes organisations in collective advocacy for the sector: Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australian Diabetes Society, JDRF Australia, the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society, and the Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.

By Credentialled Diabetes Educator, Carolien Koreneff

Did you know that people with type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease? Yet research shows that only 12% of people with type 2 diabetes think they are personally at risk. The connection between diabetes and heart disease is closer than many people realise.

People with type 1 diabetes are also at increased risk of heart disease.

Knowing that your heart could be affected by diabetes is the first step to reducing your risk.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a collective term for different problems that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. It includes coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and valve disease.

The medical term cardiovascular disease includes all types of heart problems, as well as blood vessel damage and stroke. The most common type of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is very common and is caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Plaque is the build-up of fats and other substances in the artery walls. This build-up of plaque can cause a narrowing or complete blockage of blood vessels, which affects the blood flow.

Coronary artery disease is also associated with a hardening of the arteries, this is referred to as atherosclerosis. Hardening of the arteries can also happen in other parts of your body, for example in your feet and legs – this is referred to as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Coronary artery disease is sometimes also called coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischaemic heart disease (IHD); it usually takes years to develop.

Heart attack

If the blood flow to the heart is decreased it can cause a heart attack. Similarly, if the blood flow to the brain is decreased it can cause a stroke.

Heart attacks happen when the plaque in a blood vessel bursts and clogs the coronary artery. Heart attacks require urgent medical treatment to restore the blood flow to the heart.

It is important to note that heart attacks are different from a cardiac arrest. Heart attacks are a circulatory problem, whereas a cardiac arrest is an electrical problem.

Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrests are often caused by arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) that cause the heart to malfunction and stop beating. This stops blood from flowing to the brain and other vital organs and can lead to death if not treated urgently.

A person who is having a cardiac arrest will be unconscious, will not be breathing and may die within three minutes unless chest compressions are started immediately and medical care is provided.

Arrythmias

Arrythmias, as mentioned above, are abnormal heart rhythms caused by the heart’s electrical system which controls the heart’s pumping action. People often describe arrythmias as palpitations or fluttering feelings in the chest.

Arrythmias can cause the heartbeat to become too slow, too fast, or irregular. The most common type of arrythmia is atrial fibrillation (AF). Other examples of arrythmias include atrial flutter, ectopic heartbeats, and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Heart failure

Heart failure happens when the heart muscle is damaged and does not pump properly. Causes can include heart attacks, high blood pressure and valve problems, which can all lead to the heart becoming weaker, stiffer and bigger. This can lead to tiredness, shortness of breath, oedema (swelling in legs and feet) and a decreased ability to do physical activity. Treatment involves medications to strengthen the heart as well as managing other conditions that can affect the heart.

Valve disease

The four cardiac valves mentioned above keep the blood flowing in the right direction. If one or more of these valves become damaged they may stop opening and closing properly and this can lead to chest pain and shortness of breath. Some people are born with valve disease (this if often called congenital heart disease), but it can also be caused by rheumatic heart disease, acute rheumatic fever or a heart condition such as heart failure or a heart attack.

There are three main types of heart valve disease:

1. Stenosis – where the valves are thick or stiff
2. Regurgitation – where the valve flaps don’t close properly and ‘leak’
3. Atresia – this is a condition where the valve is not formed correctly and tissue blocks the blood flow.

One of the first signs of heart valve problems is a heart murmur, this is an abnormal sound that your doctor can hear when listening to your heartbeat with a stethoscope. However, having a heart murmur does not always mean that there is a problem with your heart. But if you experience symptoms of heart valve disease it is important to see a doctor because, if left untreated, heart valve disease can lead to heart failure.

Diabetes and heart disease

Diabetes puts you at risk of heart disease because diabetes can change the chemical makeup of some of the substances found in the blood. This can cause a narrowing or complete blockage of blood vessels through the build-up of plaque, even if your cholesterol levels are normal.

High blood pressure can put further strain on your heart. For this reason, people with diabetes are regularly recommended to take blood pressure lowering medications, often in combination with cholesterol lowering medication.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

The most common symptom of heart disease is chest pain or discomfort. This is referred to as angina.

For many people with diabetes the symptoms are very subtle and the first clue that they have coronary artery disease is a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Angina
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or discomfort in the arms and/or shoulder
• Tingling in the lips
• Weakness
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting or heartburn
• Cold sweat

Sometimes heart disease is not diagnosed until a person experiences arrhythmia or heart failure. Symptoms of heart failure include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or veins in the neck

What are the risk factors for heart disease?

The main risk factors for developing heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.

Lifestyle choices can also increase your risk, particularly through an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity and overweight or obesity.

Several other medical conditions can put people at a higher risk as well. You may have guessed it; diabetes is on top of this list.

Having a family history of heart disease can also increase your risk.

Reducing your risk of heart disease

Taking care of your heart is important, especially when you have diabetes. Here are some actions you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease:

• Be physically active
• Make healthy food choices
• Reduce your intake of saturated fats, trans fat, salt/sodium and alcohol
• Keep blood fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the target range
• Manage high blood pressure
• Try and lose weight if your weight is above the healthy weight range
• Don’t smoke – if you do smoke try and quit
• Visit Diabetes Australia’s heart-focused campaign takediabetes2heart.com.au.

Take Diabetes 2 Heart Campaign

The Take Diabetes 2 Heart campaign is all about inspiring people with diabetes, and the people who love them, to take positive steps to avoid cardiovascular disease. The three most important steps on the path to good heart health are: visiting your doctor to have a conversation about what you can do to reduce your risk; eating a balanced diet; and incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Visit the website for helpful information, resources and a heart healthy recipe book that you can download for free. 

Blood pressure

As your heart pumps your blood through your arteries, a force or pressure is created as the blood travels; this is known as blood pressure. Your blood pressure will go up and down naturally throughout the day and night, this depends on what you are doing.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a main risk for heart disease, especially heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure can also increase your risk of kidney disease, eye disease and nerve damage.

Many people have high blood pressure without knowing it, so it is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

There are a number of things that can increase your risk of developing hypertension, including having a family history of hypertension, being overweight, insufficient physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake and food choices such as eating too much salt.

Blood pressure targets can vary depending on your age, existing heart disease, kidney disease, other medical conditions and your risk of a stroke. In Australia it is generally recommended to aim for a blood pressure of less than 140/90 millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that your body needs to build cells, to make certain hormones and to produce vitamin D. It is also important in digestion of food. Some foods contain cholesterol; your body also produces it.

When your doctor orders a cholesterol check the pathologist will check and report on the following types of blood fat:

• Total cholesterol – a calculation of all the different types of cholesterol in your blood
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – ‘bad’ or ‘lousy’ cholesterol, because it sticks to the walls of arteries and cause plaque.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – ‘good’ or ‘healthy’ cholesterol, because it carries LDL away from the arteries, back to the liver where it is broken down.
• Triglycerides – the most common fat in the body that will increase when eating a lot of high fat and sugary foods, when drinking too much alcohol, or if you are overweight.

There is not one single cause of high cholesterol, but there are risk factors that are modifiable. These include smoking, your age, being overweight or obese, having a family history, and unfavourable lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy diet and a lack of physical activity.

If you experience any symptoms of a heart attack it is important to get medical help immediately. Call 000 without delay.

An Urgent Product Correction Notification has been issued for Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) receivers.

Manufacturer AMSL Diabetes says some customers of the G6 receiver may experience an issue where alerts/alarms do not function as they should. In very rare instances, the alert/alarm may be missed or delayed.  

Users rely on these alerts to show glucose levels that are too high or too low. If these alerts do not operate as expected, users may not receive timely notifications.

The manufacturer lists identification information relating to the affected devices as (STK-GS-120 – All batches) ARTG 169241.

Users are urged to take immediate action to ensure their device is functioning correctly and to avoid potential health risks.

The manufacturer has outlined a series of steps for users to verify that their alerts are functioning properly. These include checking the device settings, ensuring notifications are enabled, and confirming that software updates have been installed. Additionally, users can perform regular manual glucose monitoring as a backup measure.

Individuals who experience issues with their device should seek immediate help from Dexcom’s customer support team on 1300 851 056 or email diabetes@amsl.com.au with the product serial number listed on the back.

As I meet with people living with diabetes around Australia, I often reflect on how generous they are with their time. I had the privilege of sitting down with Newcastle’s James Ashman who is a busy executive. His story is a powerful reminder of how type 1 diabetes can turn someone’s life upside down, and how resilience and determination can shape a new path forward.

James was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 41 during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a complete shock to him and his family. “I didn’t even know what it meant at first,” he admitted. But instead of letting the diagnosis overwhelm him, James used it as a catalyst to improve his health, finding what he calls a silver lining in an otherwise challenging situation.

For a while, James experienced a “honeymoon period” with his diabetes management, but recent months have brought new challenges. He spoke highly of his Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) whose guidance has been invaluable. However, the limited availability of CDE services has made James aware of the healthcare gaps that many others might face.

James is currently in the waiting period for upgraded private health insurance, which will give him access to an insulin pump. He is keenly aware of the financial strain that comes with managing diabetes. While James considers himself fortunate to be able to afford the necessary tools, he’s deeply concerned about those who can’t.

When I asked James what he’d say to the Prime Minister, his answer was clear: “Technology like insulin pumps should be accessible, especially for kids with type 1. It’s hard to believe they aren’t free for all children.”

James’s story reflects both the personal and systemic challenges of living with diabetes. It also strengthens our resolve at Diabetes Australia to advocate for greater and fairer access to diabetes technology.

If you would like to be part of the national community of people managing diabetes across Australia, Diabetes YOUnited offers more than just free membership. It’s a way for Australians to come together, advocate for better diabetes support, and amplify the voices of those most affected.

The “On the Go with the GCEO” series is amplifying the voices of people with lived experience of diabetes and frontline healthcare professionals to build awareness and drive policy change. Stay tuned as Justine continues her journey across Australia, meeting with more families and communities who inspire us all with their stories.

On a beautiful Sunday morning at the Adelaide Showground’s Farmers Market, I finished our Diabetes YOUnited cook-off with chef Miguel Maestre and sat down for a chat with Molly and Jane.

Molly Brooksby is a rising AFLW star with Port Adelaide, and Jane Giles is a dedicated nurse and credentialled diabetes educator.

Fresh off the plane from a game in Melbourne the day before, Molly arrived at our cook-off full of energy and positivity, the same approach she brings to managing her type 1 diabetes.

At 19, Molly’s life is a whirlwind of training and study, yet she maintains an impressively balanced routine to manage her diabetes.

Diagnosed almost five years ago, she shared how important it is to have a supportive family and community, as well as access to the latest technology, such as her continuous glucose monitor, which helps her keep her blood glucose stable on and off the field.

Her story underscores the importance of Diabetes YOUnited, our free national program designed to help Australians like Molly stay healthy and informed no matter where they are in life.

Jane Giles, a former president of the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, joined us to talk about the urgent need for better access to diabetes supplies and services.

Working in the remote Western Australian Tjuntjuntjara Aboriginal Community, she sees firsthand the challenges people face in managing diabetes in remote areas. Jane spoke with me about how we have to listen closely to people living with diabetes to understand what support they really need.

Hearing from Molly and Jane reinforced my commitment to making Diabetes YOUnited a vital resource for every Australian, helping ease the burden of diabetes with accessible, practical support.

Stay tuned as I continue my journey across Australia, sharing more stories from our inspiring diabetes community.

The “On the Go with the GCEO” series is amplifying the voices of people with lived experience of diabetes and frontline healthcare professionals to build awareness and drive policy change. Stay tuned as Justine continues her journey across Australia, meeting with more families and communities who inspire us all with their stories.

Novo Nordisk has advised that it will discontinue the Protaphane InnoLet human insulin (rys) 100 IU/mL injection multidose cartridge on February 1, 2025. The device is used particularly among the elderly because it’s easy to use and women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Novo Nordisk is advising people to substitute Protaphane Penfill human insulin 100 IU/mL (ARTG 169635) or Humulin NPH biosynthetic human isophane insulin 100 IU/mL injection multidose cartridge (ARTG 39662).

Between now and February 1, the Therapeutic Goods Administration is advising pharmacists to use a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) to dispense the Protaphane Penfill human insulin (rys) 100 IU/mL injection multidose cartridge without the need for a new prescription. These penfills will need a new insulin delivery device and those using it will need to know how to insert cartridges and use the new pen safely and accurately.

People living with diabetes who will be affected by the discontinuation are advised to ask their health professionals about changing over to the suggested replacements as soon as possible.

Diabetes Australia has raised concerns about the discontinuation, including access to the replacement device.

While information for pharmacists and healthcare professionals has now been released about the replacement, not all prescribers and pharmacists will see this information in a timely manner. Concerns have also been raised about the cost of the extra time or appointments that people living with diabetes may need with their GPs, educators or endocrinologists to obtain new scripts or device instructions.

Diabetes Australia is seeking assurances that there will be enough replacement devices available when required; that there will be no cost to people living with diabetes; and that the substitute devices will be available across Australia including in regional, rural, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Diabetes Australia will continue its advocacy on behalf of the estimated 30,000 people using Innolet and update the community as information becomes available.

Further information is available from the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.

Preparing for travel when you are wearing a device calls for some advanced planning.

Before flying 

• Obtain a letter from your health practitioner that documents that you must wear your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and insulin pump. 
• Pack enough supplies for your holiday and a few extras. For example, if a CGM sensor malfunctions, be sure to have the contact number of your manufacturer to get a replacement, as the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) subsidy for CGM and Flash GM has a maximum supply limit.  
• Carry all your diabetes supplies in your carry-on luggage. This is not only to prevent loss from misplaced bags but also because luggage stored in cargo can be subjected to extreme temperature changes, which may inactivate your insulin. 
• Carry your NDSS card with you. This will help with your diabetes identification.  
• If you are away from the country for a while, consider a loan pump. Please talk to your pump company about this. 
• Pack both rapid and long-acting insulin pens in case your insulin pump gets damaged. 
• Ask your diabetes team about pump disconnection doses. If you experience a line or pump failure, you must know your pump’s Total Daily Dose (TDD).   
• Visit your CDE before your trip for sick day management and travel suggestions. 

Boarding a flight

• Notify security screeners that you are wearing an insulin pump and cannot remove your CGM. If required, show your medical letter. In addition, your spare CGM sensors cannot go through the airport carry-on luggage x-ray machine.  
• The pump is designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference. As a result, it can be safely carried through metal detectors, but it cannot be exposed to any form of x-rays. This includes airline luggage x-ray machines and full body scanners.  
• Metal detectors and hand wands are safe. Ask airport security staff to physically check you and your luggage before using the x-ray equipment. Security staff must respond to such a request under government agency regulations. If travelling internationally, your insulin pump may be swabbed for explosives. 
• If you go through the full-body scanner, you must disconnect and remove both your insulin pump, sensor, and transmitter. To avoid removing your devices, you should request an alternative screening process that does not use x-ray. 

In the air

• Keep your insulin supplies and hypo snacks close to you, not in the overhead compartment during the flight. This ensures you have snacks on hand in case of hypoglycaemia or delayed meals or snacks.  
• Check your glucose levels more frequently while travelling, mainly when time changes occur. 
• You can keep your receiver on before take-off, in flight and after landing. 
• The airlines request you put your smart device in Airplane Mode. You can do this, but keep your Bluetooth on and you will be able to receive sensor glucose information on your smart device.  
• Cabin air pressure can change during take-off and landing. Talk to your diabetes team about suspending or disconnecting the pump during take-off and landing.  
• Wait until you arrive at your destination before changing the time (and the date if appropriate) in your pump. First, make sure the am/pm is correct.

Bon voyage and have a wonderful trip.  

For general flying tips

Travel checklist

Travel fact sheet (ndss.com.au)  

Pump Company Websites 

AMSL

Medtronic

Ypsomed

Smart Traveller Recommendations 

smartraveller.gov.au/ 

traveldoctor.com.au/ 

travelSECURE

By Karen Jameson Registered Nurse and Credentialled Diabetes Educator 
_{This article was originally published in June 2023}