Air Travel’s Impact Insulin Pump Delivery: What Diabetics Need to Know

How Pressure Changes in Airplanes Affect Insulin Pump Function and What Patients and Providers Can Do

Topline:

A new study reveals that air travel can cause insulin pumps to deliver too much or too little insulin due to cabin pressure changes. While the impact is minor, patients using insulin pumps should be aware and take precautions during flights.

Study Details:

This study was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2024 conference. Researchers found that insulin pumps, regardless of brand or type, are affected by changes in cabin pressure during airplane takeoff and landing. These pressure changes can lead to small errors in insulin delivery, potentially posing risks for patients with diabetes, especially those who are insulin-sensitive or use specific dosage regimens.

Methodology:

Researchers used a hypobaric chamber to simulate the atmospheric pressure changes experienced during flight. They tested three different insulin pumps (Medtronic MiniMed, Tandem t, and Insulet Omnipod) and measured the rate of insulin delivery at ground level, during ascent, and during descent. The pumps were tested under controlled conditions to accurately mimic the pressure shifts that occur during air travel.

Key Findings:

The study found that during takeoff, insulin pumps over-delivered approximately 0.6 units of insulin, while during descent, they under-delivered by 0.5 units. These variations were consistent across all insulin pump types, indicating that the phenomenon is caused by the pressure changes, not the specific pump design. Although the insulin delivery variations are minor, they could affect blood glucose control, particularly in children or those who are highly insulin-sensitive.

Implications for Practice:

Healthcare providers should advise patients with diabetes who use insulin pumps to take precautionary measures when flying. Simple strategies include disconnecting the pump during ascent and descent for those using pumps with tubing, or eating a small snack to compensate for missed insulin delivery in systems like Omnipod, which cannot be disconnected. While the effects are small, awareness and proactive management can prevent potential complications during travel.