Flying with diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that requires specific doses of insulin to be administered to the patient at precisely-measured intervals. Because of this, diabetics often avoid travel which would entail a change of time zone. In fact, diabetes need not be an obstacle to enjoying the travel experience.

With the right approach to the condition, together with good preparation, you will be well able to enjoy travelling if you are diabetic, too. These actions include:

• Discuss the type and number of insulin injections you will need to take with you with your doctor.
• Ask your doctor to draw up a precise travel injection timetable for you. This will tell you exactly how much insulin you will need to inject and when.
• Take twice the amount of medication and materials you need (in both your carry-on baggage and your suitcase), to ensure that you will always have enough to hand in the event of an emergency.
• If you are flying west into another time zone, you may need take an additional dose of insulin to cover the extra-long day. You should discuss this, too, with the doctor treating your diabetes before you depart.
• If you are flying east into another time zone, your “day” will be shorter, of course. Here it may be necessary to reduce your insulin dosage accordingly. And here, too, you should discuss the matter with your doctor in advance of your trip.

• Bear in mind that insulin should not be exposed to temperatures of below 2°C or above 40°C.
• After your first night at your destination, it may be advisable to conduct extra blood sugar checks and possibly adapt your meals.

If you develop diarrhea or vomiting, you should definitely see a local doctor for an examination and possibly adjust your insulin dose. In view of this eventuality, you should always carry the documents a doctor may need to treat you on your person throughout your stay. Also, check with your doctor and your health insurance scheme about your insurance cover abroad.