Flying as a Diabetic…. continued

During the Flight

• Monitor BGLs more often to assess how your diabetes is travelling. Different food and sitting for long periods can make your diabetic BGLs rise.
• Drink plenty of sugar-free fluids and avoid alcohol to prevent dehydration.
• There is little difference between a diabetic meal and ordinary fare, however the diabetic meal will be served first.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for more, explaining your diabetes if need be, also don’t give yourself an insulin until the meal is in front of you.
• Perform your leg and foot exercises to stop swelling and clots.
• Stand up and walk around as often as possible to increase circulation, keep diabetic blood glucose levels under control and prevent risk of clots.

If you take insulin

• Never stop taking your long acting insulin and again, take your quick acting insulin only when your meal arrives.
• Do not inject air into an insulin vial when drawing up insulin (the air on plane is pressurised).
• Keep it cool, remember you’re not allowed to store insulin in the plane’s fridge due to food hygiene regulations, plus the airline won’t take responsibility for insulin storage not matter how much you disassociate them from liability.
• Keep your watch on home time so you know when your insulin would have been due. Change the time when you arrive at your destination.

If you have a diabetes pump

• You do not need to turn it off, however, a continuous blood glucose monitor must be turned off at take off and on landing just like you would any other electronic device.
• You do not need to change the rate on your diabetes pump until you arrive at your destination. Change your pump’s clock when you get to your destination.
• Take a dose with snacks and meals as usual.

Hypoglycemia

Hypos are a common side of our condition and can sneak up at the best of times. However, due to the unpredictability of travelling as a diabetic, hypos can occur more frequently. Some reasons may be:

• Meals may be delayed
• Foods may have different amounts of carbohydrates than expected, or just less.
• Increased activity; sightseeing, walking, hiking
• Stress/excitement
• Vomiting and inability to tolerate carbohydrates if unwell.

Have with you at all times:

• Quick acting carbohydrates (glucose gel, jelly beans or Lucozade tablets)
• Long acting carbohydrates (muesli bar, crackers, biscuits) don’t be afraid to ask airline staff if you’re unprepared, your health too important to ignore.

If previously prescribed.

• Glucagon injection (Type 1 only – for your travelling companion to administer).

Legs and feet

This may only apply to a few and defiantly for those wearing anti-embolic stockings, note this will not act as flight socks, this is due to the compression grading. If you feel you need or are advised to obtain flight stockings, then take some time to get them fitted correctly. This will prevent complications such as pressure ulcers or impaired circulation. Diabetes should have the circulation checked (Ankle Brachial Index ABI) in their lower legs before obtaining compression stockings. Check whether your podiatrist can do this test, not all do.

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Important Note…

Our Diabetic Travel Advice pages are presented to compliment your travel plans and should in no way replace the unquestionable advice and medical care given to you by your health care team, wherever you are in the World