International Plane Rides With Type 2 Diabetes: 10 Tips To Arrive Feeling Your Best

Vacations are fabulous! Some time to unplug, reset, and refresh. Of course, getting to that epic destination isn’t always the best part. Occurrences like unfamiliar (often unlabeled) food, uncomfortable & long periods sitting, and being at high altitudes can disrupt your diabetes management. We all want to feel ready to rock and amped up as soon as the plane hits the ground. So, planning ahead is essential to feeling your best post-flight & enjoying all your vacation has to offer.

10 Tips For International Travel

1. Your Contacts: At Home and Away

   • Before you leave, check-in with your doctor regarding the details of your itinerary. Variables like flight duration, length of vacation, and/or time zone may affect your medication schedule or prescription amount. Your doc may also send you with a letter detailing your medications and diagnoses.

   • When away, have a point of contact. This could include a doctor reference to a local pharmacy, clinic, or other doctor at your destination. Additionally, look into your health insurance plan to find out if you’re covered abroad or if you need supplemental travel insurance.

2. Your Supplies

   • Compression socks help prevent foot swelling. Some insurances cover the cost of these socks, which is often an unknown allowance. If you want to purchase some yourself, compression socks like these are well-reviewed.

   • Be sure to pack disposable wipes so you can clean your hands before you check your blood sugar.

   • Put your diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag and use a smaller bag that fits under your seat so your supplies are readily available.

3. Your Medication

   • Always carry your medication with you, rather than checking it to avoid it getting lost or damaged with temperature changes.

     • Individuals with diabetes are exempt from the 3.4 oz. liquid rule. This allows for medicines, fast-acting carbs like juice, and gel packs to keep insulin cool.

   • Consider using an alarm on your phone for taking medicine - especially if you have a long flight and are traveling across time zones.

4. Your Altitude:

   • High altitudes can increase the risk for hypoglycemia, so if on a plane for a long time, you want to monitor your glucose carefully.

     • Research has found that for every 1,000 feet in elevation, the glucometer underestimated blood sugar levels by 1 to 2 percent. Keep this in mind and refrain from calibrating your continuous glucose meter during a flight.

5. Your Snacks & Meals

   • Before you fly, you can contact the airline to request diabetic friendly meals. You can also bring your own if you choose.

   • Like your supplies, you want to keep your food under your seat in case turbulence stops you from opening the overhead bins.

   • Some good snack choices include:

     • Fresh Fruit

     • Nuts & Seeds or Homemade Granola Bars

     • Low or No Sugar Yogurt

     • Fresh Veggies & Hummus Dip

6. Your Movement

   • Every hour or two be sure to get up and walk up and down the aisle of the plane or stretch your body in the restroom. This can help to prevent blood clots.

7. Your Hydration

   • Studies show that we lose about 8 ounces of water per hour on an aircraft at altitude, mostly from breathing. The Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) recommends drinking about 0.25 liters (or 8 ounces) of water per hour while on board. Drink up!

8. Your Time Zone

   • Discussing any changes with your doctor and having a plan for reminding yourself when to take medication (like an alarm, a partner, etc) will help you navigate any time changes you may encounter.

9. Your Language

   • If you are traveling somewhere where people speak a different language from yours, there are some phrases you can learn to say. These include, “I have diabetes,” “I need fruit juice please” and “where is the nearest pharmacy?”

10. Your Stress-Management

    • If you are feeling nervous about travel, have a go-to plan for stress-management

    • While walking up and down the aisle, taking extra supplies, and having your snacks readily available can help, other methods can be beneficial as well:

      • Downloading A Soothing Podcast

      • Practicing Breath Work

      • Reading A Relaxing Book

In addition, The American Diabetes Association works with the TSA to accommodate people with diabetes when they travel. TSA has a helpline and passenger support specialists at airports. You can read more here

Enjoy your travels and set yourself up so as soon as your feet hit the ground you feel energized, excited, and ready for your trip!