Becoming A Young Adult: Up In The Air With Type 1 Diabetes
International travel is slowly (very slowly) returning to normal after that pandemic the world would prefer to forget. The wanderlust in you is telling you to book the first flight out so you can get, to any destination whose phone numbers start with a different country code. The more sensible half of you is reminding you that travel costs money, and time, especially if you’re living with type 1 diabetes, some careful planning. While that air ticket calls your name ever louder, here are some things to consider.
Travelling With Type 1 Diabetes
When you’re overseas or even in another state, your environment is different. It might still be a familiar place to you, but you’re not surrounded by the same support you have back home. If you’re a young adult taking to the skies, your trip might be a holiday with your friends on a sun-kissed beach or in the alpine snow. Or perhaps it’s your first work trip with new colleagues. Whatever the reason for your travel, if you’re living with type 1 diabetes, it pays to be more than prepared.
Whoever your travel companions are, let them know that you’re living with type 1 diabetes if they’re not already aware. It can also be a good idea to explain how they might recognise when you’re experiencing a hypoglycaemic episode (hypo), and what you’d like them to do if you need their help.
In the post-pandemic travel scene, there will likely be some additional requirements for all travellers. Depending on your country of origin, your destination, and the time that you embark on your trip, the regulations can change. Keep up to date with your government’s travel advice leading up to your trip, and be prepared to be flexible. Since those living with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing COVID-related complications,1 you may choose to err on the side of caution. Fortunately, many travel providers are now providing more flexible fares that recognise the uncertainty COVID-19 has brought to international travel.
Top Tips As You Think About Those Comfortable Airplane Seats
Before you check which seats have the most leg room on your airplane, run your travel plans by your diabetes healthcare team first. They might have some good suggestions that are pertinent to your specific situation (and destination), including how traversing time zones can affect your insulin delivery.2 Your travel destination may also require specific vaccinations or booster shots. In the meantime, here are some other top tips for travelling with type 1 diabetes.
Before you get to the airport:
• Research your destination (in your excitement you’ve probably already done that, right?). However, in addition to making a list of all the restaurants to try, also look up the closest hospitals and pharmacies to your accommodation. This is in case of an emergency, diabetes-related or otherwise, or if you need to restock your diabetes supplies.
• Know what to expect at the airport and on the plane. If you’re using an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), these shouldn’t go through security scanners or x-ray machines. Instead, you may request a pat-down or metal detector security check without needing to disconnect your pump. Your airline may also need you to fill in a form for these medical devices ahead of time in order to bring them onboard.2,3
• Pack at least double the number of supplies you expect to need for your time away. Your insulin should be in a cooler bag in your carry-on luggage.2 For your medications and lancets to be permitted onboard, your insulin and glucagon must be in their pharmaceutically labelled vials or containers. Your lancets must be capped and carried with your glucose meter demonstrating the manufacturer’s name. It's also a great idea to pack extra tape, glucose test strips, and a spare battery cap of your Medtronic insulin pump in your bag.
• Ask your diabetes healthcare team for a letter explaining your condition, as well as a valid copy of your insulin prescription.
• Pack some snacks in case your journey is delayed at any point or if you need a little carbohydrate boost between meals on the plane.
Be prepared to adjust your insulin delivery a little more than you’re used to at home. The change in weather can affect your blood glucose (BG) levels3 and you may need to keep a closer eye on them to avoid a hypo. The different activities and foods you’re exploring can also cause your BG to react differently from what you’re used to at home.3
While you’re immersing yourself in the wonders of your destination:
• Remember that you can still try new, exotic foods while keeping your BG within a healthy range. You may want to take some extra precautions with carbohydrate counting or ask the waitstaff what ingredients are in your meal.
• Sunbathing can actually alter your insulin absorption, increasing your risk of hypos.3 Check your BG more often and adjust your insulin accordingly.
• If you’re in a cold location, be aware the cold can also increase your risk of hypos. There are several factors underlying this, including slowing your insulin absorption or affecting your meter’s accuracy.3
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re travelling solo or in a group, play it safe by being appropriately prepared. You don’t have time for a hypo when there are waves to surf, markets to explore, or street parties to join!
References
- Demeterco-Berggren C, et al. Age and Hospitalization Risk in People With Type 1 Diabetes and COVID-19: Data From the T1D Exchange Surveillance Study. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.2022;107(2):410–418.
- Diabetes UK. Travelling with Diabetes. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/. 2020. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/travel. (Accessed September 2022).
- NHS UK. Diabetes and Travel. https://www.nhs.uk/. 2021. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/living-with-type-1-diabetes/diabetes-and-travel/. (Accessed September 2022).