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Diabetes and air travel: Soaring high minus turbulent blood glucose level
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Diabetes and air travel: Soaring high minus turbulent blood glucose level

Intelligent dietary and lifestyle choices is the key for mid-air type 2 diabetes management

Delhi-based private-firm senior executive Rajeev G (49), a frequent international flyer, doesn’t let his blood sugar level soar even when he is jetting to a different continent on a professional trip. Diagnosed with diabetes a few months back, he tries to bank on his strict lifestyle to control diabetes. He explains that air travel with diabetes is easy if you are mindful and consistent with your regular routine and keep a tab on your blood glucose levels.

Talking to Happiest Health, diabetologists and nutritionists explain various ways that would help type 2 diabetics to keep a tab on their inflight blood sugar levels.

Doctor’s advice for air travel

Dr Banshi Saboo, Ahmedabad-based diabetologist, Chair-Elect (2023-24) for the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) says the best way to make your flight comfortable is to talk to your doctor, get a check-up to know the status of your blood glucose so they can help you before flying.

Rajeev explains, “Whenever I’m flying long distances, I consult my doctor and nutritionist and use it as an opportunity for intermittent fasting.” He sticks to salads with healthy dips like hummus or diabetic friendly meals which can be pre-ordered on flights, whenever he is hungry.

According to Ishi Khosla, a clinical nutritionist, “What you eat or not eat also plays an important role in blood sugar management.”

Khosla explains that while people on insulin and high medication are not advised to go on intermittent fasting, people who can manage their sugar levels can go on intermittent fasting as it is known to improve insulin sensitivity. “It varies from person to person. That’s why consulting your doctor is a must,” cautions Khosla.

Diabetes management before take-off

Bengaluru based diabetologist Ashwitha Shruti Dass, says the thumb rule for diabetics is to carry a medical book or card with their health and medication details which helps in case of diabetes related emergency. Ishi Khosla adds that any dietary allergies should also be listed here.

Always carry extra dosage of medicines and insulin (if on insulin) preferably in two different bags (in the event of missing luggage).

“It can get tricky to procure insulin when you are abroad so Type 2 diabetics who require insulin are advised to be well stocked,” says Dr Dass.

Dr Dass also tells people she treats, to carry some sugar powder, glucose tablets or chocolate or sweets, in case the sugar goes low while travelling. Diabetic medication and chronic diabetes can often induce spells of low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

People who are on daily oral medication are advised to have a pill organiser box to ensure they do not miss the pills for that day.

“A doctor’s written prescription for medication should also be there with them,” explains Dr Saboo.

Diabetes and mid-air snacking

According to Khosla a person travelling with diabetes should always have some easy to eat snacks in their handbag.

It is advisable to carry some fresh foods like cucumber or carrot sticks. For snacking– fibre rich cookies, roasted gram, trail mix of granola, dried fruit and nuts energy bars and laddoos loaded with dry fruits and seeds or even roasted makhanas (fox nuts) can come in handy.

“Water is easily accessible in flights and airports to keep you hydrated while beverages like tea, coffee and packaged juices are best avoided,” suggests Khosla.

Those who are gluten intolerant can carry gluten free breads or khakhras (thin crackers) and probiotics, Khosla adds.

Khosla suggests that even if you are not gluten or lactose intolerant, when travelling it is advisable to go dairy or gluten free so that there are no bloating or gut issues while travelling.

A walk in the sky for sugar management

Dr Saboo also suggests exploring exercise options prior to and during flight. “In long flights I recommend diabetics to walk inside the aircraft aisle when it is safe,” he says.

Rajeev adds that he prefers to take a walk around the airport while waiting to board the flight. Instead of taking an escalator or elevator he prefers to take the stairs or walk to the conveyor belt.

Dr Saboo says diabetics are also advised to wear tight diabetic socks which enhance circulation and prevent deep vein thrombosis (venous blockage).

While they are seated, they can even do partial leg lifts and foot rotation exercises to enhance the blood circulation.

Taking medication on time

A diabetic requiring insulin is advised to take it based on the new time zone. If they are travelling west from east the days will be longer so they need to plan their dosage according to the time zone or as advised by their doctor.

Dr Dass says people on tablets don’t need adjustment and can plan according to the food intake. “If they are not planning to eat while on the flight, they can avoid the tablets,” she explains.

However, they should make sure not to stay hungry for a long time as it could cause a dip in the sugar.

Air travel with diabetes need not be a hassle. Follow these simple tips to feel better while travelling Carry medical information card or book. Stock up your medication and insulin well Carry your glucometer or insulin pump. Keep some foods, snacks or sweets handy. Walk around the airport or in the aircraft if long flight. While seated, partial leg lifts and foot rotation can be done. Plan your meal intake according to doctors’ recommendations. Have a travel insurance plan in place.

Takeaways

To control your sugar levels (high or low) while flying with Type 2 diabetes, experts recommend consulting your physician, stocking up on medication, exercise on the go and eating with caution.

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