Version 1.0.0. 1 May 2026. NDSS-003095-NDSS-W Key facts Medical scans and radiation treatments may damage diabetes devices like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps. You may need to move, remove, or switch off your device. Make a plan with your doctor or diabetes educator so you know how to manage your diabetes if your device needs to be removed. After the procedure, check your device is working and that your glucose level is in your target range. Contact your doctor or diabetes educator if you are not sure what to do with your device before, during, or after the procedure. Related pages Surgery and procedures Continuous glucose monitoring Insulin pumps High blood glucose levels Find a health service Find a health professional or pharmacy in your area. On this page Procedures that affect diabetes devices Planning for your scan or treatment On the day of your procedure After your procedure When to see your health professional What this means for you More information and support Procedures that can affect diabetes devices The electronics in continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps and other diabetes devices can be damaged by radiation and strong magnets. Medical scans and treatments that use radiation or strong magnets include: X-ray MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) CT scan (computed tomography scans) fluoroscopy bone density scan angiogram mammogram nuclear medicine radiation therapy. Some types of scans, such as ultrasound, do not usually damage diabetes devices. However, you may need to remove the device or move it to a different part of your body. Planning for your scan or treatment Knowing what to expect will help you protect your diabetes devices. Follow the steps below to help you plan for your procedure and manage your devices safely. Tell your doctor you wear a diabetes device They will tell you if you need to remove, move, or turn the device off. They will also be able to plan the safest scan or treatment for you. If you need to turn off or remove your device, ask how long the procedure will take. This is especially important if you will need to remove your insulin pump. You can also contact the clinic where you will have your procedure. They can confirm if you can wear your devices during it, and how long it will take. Read the device user manual The user manual or website for your device will usually provide information about wearing it during medical scans and treatments. If you are not sure, contact the device company directly for advice. Make a plan for removing your device If you need to remove or turn off your device, talk to your doctor or diabetes educator. They can help you plan how to manage your diabetes safely while you are not able to use your devices – especially for longer procedures. Move your device insertion site (if you need to) Your doctor or the clinic may ask you to wear your device on a different part of your body. For example, on your arm rather than your stomach. As CGMs cannot be put back on after they are taken off, it’s a good idea to move your CGM site before your procedure. This avoids wasting a sensor. On the day of your procedure On the day, a few simple steps will help you stay safe and protect your diabetes devices. Tell the health professional doing the scan or treatment If you have been advised you can keep using your diabetes device during the procedure, let the health professional know. Also confirm how long the procedure will take. They may need to change how they do the procedure or how they interpret the results. Check your glucose levels before removing or turning off the device Make sure they’re in your target range. Do this early enough so you can treat any highs or lows beforehand. You may need to remove or turn off your device before entering the treatment room. Bring diabetes supplies Whether you remove your device or not, bring a backup glucose meter and insulin in case your device does not work properly. Bring fast-acting carbs in case you have a low glucose level. After the procedure Once the procedure is over, you can make sure your device and glucose levels are back on track. Check your device is working If you turned off or removed your device, follow the device instructions to turn it back on. Make sure it is working properly. Check the settings, time, date, and look for any alerts or error messages. If it is not working, use your backup meter and/or insulin injections and contact the device company. Check your glucose levels Check your glucose level to make sure it is in your target range. If you used a CGM, confirm the reading with a finger prick. Treat any low or high glucose levels and ensure your glucose levels are within your target range before you leave the clinic. When to see your health professional Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator if: you are unsure whether you can keep using your diabetes device during the scan or treatment you do not have a backup plan for managing your diabetes without your devices you have any questions about the procedure and managing your diabetes generally. What this means for you You may need to remove your diabetes devices during medical scans or treatments to protect them. Talk to your doctor and/or contact the device company ahead of time about what to do. Tell the health professional doing the procedure about your device so they can ensure everything goes smoothly. More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 to ask to speak to a diabetes educator. Find a credentialled diabetes educator at the Australian Diabetes Educators Association. Find a health professional near you by visiting the Healthdirect Service Finder. Disclaimer This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice and if you have any concerns about your health or further questions, you should contact your health professional. Sources Australian Diabetes Society and Australasian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (2024). Joint ADS/ANZSNM guideline for FDG PET/CT imaging in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (2024). Preventing damage to wearable diabetes devices during imaging and radiation procedures.
