Manchester Airport has issued advice for passengers living with diabetes, noting that nearly 6 million people in the UK have the condition—an all-time high according to Diabetes.org. The airport offers an alternative security search process for those using medical devices such as insulin pumps or Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs).
Security Screening for Medical Devices
Airport officials state: "All departing passengers must complete security screening." However, they add: "If you use an insulin pump or wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), let us know before entering the body scanner. We can offer an alternative search process that will not interfere with your devices' operation."
This alternative process is designed to avoid potential interference with the devices, ensuring passengers can travel safely.
Continuous Glucose Monitors and Insulin Pumps
The JDRF diabetes charity explains that everyone with type 1 diabetes in the UK can access a CGM or flash glucose monitor on the NHS. For those in England and Wales, glucose sensing includes CGM or flash monitoring, which provides readings when scanned by a dedicated receiver.
Insulin pumps are small wearable devices that deliver short-acting insulin continuously and on demand. There are two types: tethered pumps (connected via a fine tube) and patch pumps (attached directly to the skin with minimal tubing).
Sunflower Lanyard and Awareness Card
Manchester Airport emphasizes that security staff receive training in line with Aviation Security protocols. Passengers can download and print a medical device awareness card, backed by the Civil Aviation Authority and recognized by airport staff. This card can be used alongside or instead of a Sunflower Lanyard.
For more information, passengers are directed to the dedicated diabetes charity and the airport's website.
