Flying with Diabetes: An Insider’s Guide to Managing T1D on an Airplane
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Managing diabetes on its own is a full-time job. But TRAVELING with diabetes is a whole other ballgame. One of the first items to tackle before you set out on your adventure – the airport. Getting through security is step one (make sure you have your doctor’s note!), and thennnn comes the big wammy. Traveling via plane. Actually getting ON the airplane is usually overlooked, but effectively regulating your blood glucose levels in the air can make or break the rest of your trip! Since I personally do not have diabetes, I’ve asked my good friend Disha for advice on how she manages her Type 1 Diabetes on an airplane! Here are her tips that will keep you safe, sane, and satisfied while flying with diabetes!
Tip #1: Divide and Concur
You should already know that you should NEVERRR pack your diabetes supplies in your checked bag. Always always ALWAYS bring it on the plane with you. You should have no problem getting through airport security, granted you have your doctor’s note. If you need more information about that, refer to this general guide to traveling with diabetes.
Now then, another pro tip: Split your diabetes supplies between your carry-bags. Just as a precaution. If you pack them into your carry-on that goes into the overhead compartment, there will be times when you are not allowed to access the overhead space. Like if there is turbulence or during meal/beverage times. And if you pack EVERYTHING into your bag that goes under the seat space, it could leave you with less legroom.
Tip #2: Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate
Flying is one of the most dehydrating things you can do to your body. And being dehydrated will slow down your metabolism and ultimately lead to high blood sugar. Make sure to always carry a refillable bottle of water with you to the airport. Most airports offer water filling stations so you can fill up your bottle before your flight! If it is your first time flying, keep a closer-than-normal eye on your sugar and hydrate as needed! After a few flights, you’ll have a better gauge of how much water you will need for x-amount of hours in the air!
My recommendation for a reusable water bottle is the Bindle Bottle, which has a hidden compartment in the bottom! Also, check out this diabetes packing guide to stock up on other useful items!
Tips #3: Get Up
We all know that little jingle from Dance Moms, right?
Get up! Get on the floor!
…okay, I guess it’s normal if you don’t know it. BUT IT APPLIES HERE! Every so often while flying with diabetes, you are going to want to get up and move around a bit. Especially a flight over six hours!
Picture this. You are on a 17-hour flight with a 1.5-hour layover. Just SITTING. It is going to WRECK your blood circulation. As you know, with diabetes, you need to be extra careful about swelling. Pay special attention to your feet! If you are feeling a bit stiff after your flight, Amanda from PT Passages is a licensed physical therapist! She has some incredible post-flight stretch recommendations!
A pretty basic compression sock that works for many diabetics is the Creswell brand. But again, take a look at this Diabetic Packing Guide for more suggestions!
Tip #4: Aisle Please!
Speaking of hydrating and moving around, you are going to want to grab an aisle seat. For one, it will make you less anxious about guzzling down buckets of water. Aisle seats also give you more flexibility to stretch out your legs in the aisle between meal and beverage times. It’s a stress-reliever to have the ability to get up whenever needed, especially if you are uncomfortable asking your row-mates to get up. On long haul flights, Ambien-sleepers are notoriously hard to wake up.
Tip # 5: Meal Prep
If you are able to reserve a low carb/carb-free meal on the plane, do it. It’ll save you a lot of effort. But, in most cases, that option is not available (or isn’t free). So, plan B.
As you know, carb accounting is an essential tool for diabetes. You will need to stay extra vigilant while flying with diabetes. There isn’t always a concrete method to determine the number of carbs in airplane-meals. You can try to calculate your needed dose by the menu provided, and Guestimate the carbs. But, more often than not, you might still end up with high blood sugar. So be aware that you may need extra insulin shots.
Tip #6: Pound the Alarm
An important factor to note while flying with diabetes is: Time Zones. Yeah, you’re going to cross them a lot faster on a plane. Remember to update the time on your insulin pump and blood glucose (BG) meter! And set an alarm on your phone for taking your medicine so that you stay on a consistent schedule. Some people like to set their alarms to coincide with the time of their destination. That way, they will already be adjusted when they arrive. Others like to stick to their home time. It will take a little trial and error to find what ultimately works best for you on future trips.
Tips #7: BYO-SDC
Aka – bring your own sharps disposal container for injectables and syringes. While a lot of airports do have sharps disposal containers in the restrooms, they might be hard to find out and about on your trip. And most airplane bathrooms will not have a sharps disposal container (though I have heard of flight attendants having them on hand if needed/asked).
There are plenty of mini sharps disposal containers you can buy online if you don’t have a travel-sized one!
Tips # : You GOT This
No, seriously, YOU GOT THIS.
You are the best person equipped to handle your diabetes! So, don’t overthink it and psych yourself out! The worst that can happen is that you will have either high or low blood sugar. Which happens even at home. And you KNOW how to manage that.
Flying with Diabetes: Conclusion
So, yes, diabetes certainly adds a few challenges to travel, but nothing you can’t handle! Hopefully, these tips help to ease your concerns and anxiety about plane travel!
Thanks again to Disha for all of her amazing tips! Be sure to follow her on Instagram for more tips on traveling with Type 1 Diabetes!
So, do you have any other questions? How is your experience flying with diabetes?
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