Cruising with insulin pump

[traveled]

Has anyone traveled with an insulin pump?   If so how did you figure out how many infusion sets to take?  When the virus ends I am planning to take a 30 day cruise and travel before in Denmark.  I chanbge infusion sets every 2-3 days but then there a times that there are problems. I will be traveling with an extra pump and extra sensors.   I am looking forward to your replies.

[kokopelli-az]

I can't answer your question from personal experience, but I have researched this question previously.   You might have already done some research beforehand; however, here are some links for your information:

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=3402

 

https://www.havepumpwilltravel.com/my-5-biggest-diabetes-travel-mistakes/

 

https://www.disboards.com/threads/any-insulin-pump-cruisers.3771987/

 

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html

[traveled]

Thank you

[Sue Do-Over]

I've been travelling with a pump for years.

 

#1 is to pre-fill the insulin reservoir tanks. That cuts loads of plastic and bulk.  Include a flattened insulin box with the prescription label in the baggie.  I usually keep ONE of the plungers and ONE of the blue two-way needle, in case I need to refill one.   Do not overfill them... remember that on the plane, they will expand slightly due to changes in air pressure, so leave some space.  I haven't had one pop yet, but still.

 

#2 Consolidate test strips into fewer containers or teeny baggies.  (Craft stores have little bitty ones).

 

#3 Experiment with a snack size Pringles can for infusion sets.  I put each in a snack-size baggie, and can carefully put several in the canister without bending them up.  Carefully.

 

#4 But the darn (Medtronic) CGM and the huge insertion tool... pack as they are. I try to stack the packets smartly in a larger baggie, but am always frustrated by the amount of space they waste.

 

Bring extra batteries for the pump and the CGM charger and glucose meter.  I need AA, AAA and button batteries, and hate to spend a fortune on junky stale batteries on board.

[Sue Do-Over]

More...

I typically do NOT reset the clock in my pump, but leave it on 'home' time.  You may prefer to to the opposite, just remember that if you have different basal rates for day and night, you'll be upside down.

 

[traveled]

Thank you so much,  When we can cruise again I want to go to Norway probably on an English ship.  Because of the distance from the US I will probably be abroad for 3 months.  Your Ideas for consolidating all of the supplies is brilliant.