Staying Safe While Flying with Diabetes
Why is better Stay safe while flying with diabetes: Swimsuit, sunscreen, books, insulin. For someone with diabetes, packing and planning for a holiday is similar to that of everyone else, but a few crucial differences exist.
Air travel always carries some risk for people with diabetes, regardless of whether you take insulin. A trip away requires careful planning. In Canada, 8.8% of the population (9.4% of men and 8.1% of women, aged one year and older) live with diabetes. Each day, doctors diagnose about 549 new cases.
How can you reduce the risks of flying and enjoy your holiday with diabetes?
Here are essential tips:
1. Be Insulin Ready
Always keep insulin and back-up supplies in your carry-on bag when flying. In October 2016, a woman died on a flight from Turkey to Russia after placing her insulin in her checked luggage, even though she had taken a dose an hour before boarding. Airlines do not offer insulin refrigeration, so consider buying a personal insulin travel case if needed.
Why is better Stay safe while flying with diabetes
2. Plan Meals in Advance
Some airlines provide meals that meet diabetic requirements on long-haul flights, but not always on domestic trips. Whenever possible, arrange meals with the airline ahead of time. Airlines share nutritional information about in-flight meals, snacks, and drinks. Research before booking. For added safety, pack non-perishable foods in case of delays or to help your body adjust to a new time zone.
3. Stick to Your Routine
Keep a routine with consistent meal times and regular insulin checks. Map your travel route and note any time zone changes to avoid missing blood sugar tests. If you use an insulin pump, reset its time to local time after you reach your destination. Don’t change it while in transit, in case of delays or issues.
4. Carry Documentation
Most airlines allow you to bring syringes in your hand luggage, though not all have sharps disposal in the toilets. If you use insulin, carry a note from your doctor stating that you have diabetes and that you must carry syringes and essential medication. Show this note to security staff, especially at check-in and screening points, to prevent problems.
5. Prepare for Emergencies
Plan for possible complications like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Tell airline staff when you board and inform nearby passengers so everyone is ready to help if needed. Some airlines offer hypoglycemia treatment packs with snacks, juice, glucose gel, glucagon, and IV fluid. Others train staff to provide snacks and drinks during a hypoglycaemic episode.
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