Flight security measures criticised over insulin
Insulin can be placed into a padded envelope before packing for
the hold |
Recently introduced air
travel security restrictions (PJ, 19 August, p209) may mean that passengers with diabetes have to place their insulin in aeroplanes' holds and compromise their glycaemic control, diabetes charities have warned.
Department for Transport guidelines only allow “essential medicines
in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight” in cabin
luggage. A spokesman for the department told The Journal that up to 50ml
of insulin would be allowed in cabin luggage. Diabetes UK suggests that
50ml would usually be enough for a few weeks. “If any more insulin
is needed, we have been advised by the Department for Transport that
it has to be stored in the hold,” it adds.
A spokesman for Novo Nordisk told The Journal that, if there is no other
option but to carry extra insulin in the aircraft hold, the following
precautions should be taken to help reduce the risk of freezing: wrap
insulin in bubble wrap or insert into padded envelopes (or wrap insulin
in kitchen towel or tissue and insert into a thermos flask) and then
wrap the package of insulin in something like towels and pack in the
centre of belongings. However, he warned that patients should monitor
their blood glucose levels more closely on arrival since insulin carried
in the hold of aircraft may become frozen and, if blood glucose levels
suggest this has happened, the insulin should not then be used.
The current restrictions have been strongly criticised by the Insulin
Dependent Diabetes Trust. Chief executive Jenny Hirst told The Journal: “Patients
are expected to run high blood glucose levels and feel ill while they
are finding out if the insulin has been damaged.”
She added: “While we understand the need for security measures,
a simple commonsense approach should be taken, as advised by the American
Diabetes Association: always carry a letter from a doctor stating that
insulin and other diabetes equipment need to be carried on board the
aircraft; always contact the airline before flying and also the check-in
desk and advise them of the need to take insulin on board; keep all insulins,
pre-loaded pens and glucagon in their packets as dispensed, clearly labelled
with the patient’s name and address; and keep all diabetes supplies
in a plastic bag in case cabin crew wish to ‘look after’ the
supplies while flying.”
Advice on air travel for passengers with diabetes is available from the
Diabetes UK website |
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