Some Australians living with diabetes are experiencing distress getting through airport security screening, so Diabetes Australia is taking action to educate workers and improve the experience for people living with diabetes.

‘Having diabetes shouldn’t prevent people from experiencing the joy of travel, but we know that there are added complexities that affect the ability of Australians living with Diabetes to enjoy their travel and stay healthy,’ said Justine Cain, Group Chief Executive Officer at Diabetes Australia. ‘This includes challenges at airport security and screening points, for people travelling with medications and especially medical devices.’

‘Despite clear guidance from the Department of Home Affairs to ensure people can get through airport security without affecting their medical devices, people have been telling Diabetes Australia that these rules are applied inconsistently at Australia’s airports, resulting in ‘horrible’ and ‘awful’ experiences.

As a result of this lived experience and feedback from the diabetes community, Diabetes Australia is commencing a project to work with airport security services to educate their workforce and improve the experience for people living with diabetes. This will include reviewing and updating existing ‘Diabetes and Travel’ information available online, including providing advice to other organisations and easy-to-use resources for people with diabetes.’

‘We also intend to develop and deliver training and resources for airport security staff to respond more appropriately to people living with diabetes, and we will share the lived experiences of people with diabetes to improve travel regulations,’ said Ms Cain.

‘The direct experience of people living with diabetes is central to our work, including making sure that they can access services and support, safely and without stigma, where and when it’s needed and to this end we have a very strong focus on improving the broader community’s understanding of diabetes, including security screening workers”.

Background

Medical device manufacturers advise that diabetes devices can be affected by body scanners and x-ray machines, and the Government recognises that some equipment may not be suitable for screening. In that situation, alternative procedures are available so that security staff can be assured a person is not carrying any prohibited items or weapons before they proceed beyond the security screening checkpoint.

This can include using a hand-held metal detector, an explosive trace detection test or a targeted frisk search of the area. If you do not wish to discuss this at the security screening checkpoint or if you want any additional screening to be carried out away from public view, you can request a private room and a screening officer of the same gender.

People are advised to travel with written advice from their treating team describing their device or equipment to expedite the process. More information at homeaffairs.gov.au.