To participate in water activities, you can easily disconnect from your insulin pump. We understand this is not ideal; however it is the safest alternative at this time. While disconnected for water activities, take the necessary precautions to protect your pump from water. The insulin pump is splash proof, but not waterproof and should not be submerged in water.

The Minilink, when connected to the sensor, is waterproof and fully immersible, however we do not recommend immersing them in very hot water (like a hot tub). You can wear the transmitter to a depth of eight feet for up to 30 minutes. If you disconnect from your insulin pump and your transmitter goes out-of-range for longer than 40 minutes (separated by more than 6 feet), only the last 40 minutes will be re-populated. When reviewing historical reports, you would notice a "data gap" with missing information during this period of time.

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You can continue to use your insulin pump as normal during your flight.  If you are using the CGM funstion of the pump, International standards and U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations require that devices using radio frequency capabilities should not be used on an aircraft. So you must disconnect the MiniLink transmitter from the glucose sensor. It is not sufficient to simply turn off the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) feature on the insulin pump because the MiniLink transmitter will continue to transmit on the RF frequency and will only stop if disconnected from the glucose sensor. While in flight, you need to manually test your glucose levels using your BG meter.

The labeling of all Medtronic Minimed insulin pumps indicates that users should avoid exposing insulin infusion pumps to strong magnetic fields such as those associated with MRI machines.  Extensive testing has shown that other magnetized devices such as airport metal detectors, electronic article surveillance equipment, and cellular phones will not adversely affect insulin pump operation.  
Mobile phones, cordless phones, or other wireless high frequency devices can interfere with communication from your glucose monitor / transmitter to the insulin pump, but this interference does not cause faulty data and does not damage your pump or the meter. Communication can be restored by removing or switching off these wireless devices.

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If you are going to have an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or other type of exposure to radiation, please take off your insulin pump, transmitter, and glucose sensor and remove them from the area.
An MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) test uses extremely powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency waves to create images of internal organs from the body.  These strong magnetic fields can damage the pump and potentially pull it from your body.  The cannula infusion sets (which do not contain metal) including the: Mio, Sof-set, Quick-set and Silhouette may be left in your body without concern.
Medtronic recommends that you temporarily disconnect your pump before entering the room in which the procedure is to occur.
If you have questions regarding a specific test and how it may affect your pump please contact your local HelpLine.⁹

Managing diabetes during an illness or infection requires frequent blood glucose and urine ketone testing. Illness and infection put extra stress on the body and often raises blood glucose. The insulin pump allows you to make adjustments to quickly and easily respond to illness and infection.Even if you are unable to eat, you need insulin. Depending on the results of blood glucose testing, your basal insulin may be sufficient to cover your insulin needs, or you may need to increase your insulin by taking frequent correction boluses, increasing your basal rate, or both.

Sick Day Protocol:  

- Test you blood glucose and urine ketones every 2 hours, 24 hours a day.
- Check urine ketones every time you go to the toilet.
- Keep accurate records of your blood glucose values, ketones, medication, fever and all symptoms.
- Take extra insulin whenever your blood glucose is 14 mmol/l (250mg/dL) or higher and when ketones are moderate or large.
- Keep in mind that extra insulin and fluids are needed when urine ketones are present, even if your blood glucose is within your target range.
- If you are vomiting, you must call your Endocrinologist, GP, or Diabetes Educator for proper treatment with fluids and insulin to avoid DKA!

Sick Day Supplies:
You should have the following in the house at all times and carry them with you when travelling:- Fluids that contain sugar (Lemonade, Cola or similar, candy, jelly, etc) to replace solid food.- Sugar-free liquids (diet drinks, bouillon, chicken broth) for replacing lost fluids- Thermometer- Medications for fever, cough, congestion, nausea and vomiting- Extra blood glucose and ketone strips.- Glucagon emergency kit in case of severe hypoglycaemia
Note: When you are sick, it is difficult to take care of your diabetes, but you must. If you are too sick to monitor your diabetes carefully, ask a friend or family member to help. If there is no one to help you, ask your Diabetes Healthcare Team for assistance. 

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