Can Flying Affect Blood Sugar?
Flying can have some negative effects on your blood sugar.
Make sure you take the proper precautions before your next flight.
If you have high blood sugar - and you are planning a flight in the near future - then you will want to know if your condition will be affected by the high altitude. At Desert Medical, we help travelers with medical and mobility issues enjoy a safe and healthy trip. Today, we will be discussing the impact of flying on those with high blood sugar.
Can high altitudes affect your blood sugar?
High altitudes can raise blood sugar levels by 1% to 2%. If you have diabetes or if you take insulin, then you will need to discuss having your insulin levels adjusted before going on your next flight.
How to prepare for your flight when you have high blood sugar?
To ensure that you are safe before your next flight, here are five steps that you can take to ensure that your blood sugar levels remain in check:
1). Talk to your doctor
A couple of weeks before your trip, be sure to talk to your doctor about adjusting your insulin levels to compensate for the high altitude during your flight. Make sure you will have enough insulin for your departure and your return trip.
2). Have your insulin properly packed
Prepare your insulin to ensure that it will remain effective while you are on your at the airport and on your flight. It is recommended that you pack your insulin in a cool area. You may want to consider bringing ice packs along to help refrigerate your medication throughout the duration of your trip.
3). Being healthy food options
As you know, certain foods can have a negative effect on your blood sugar. Don’t count on the airport or the in-flight food to regulate your blood sugar. Be sure to bring food that will keep your blood sugar levels in check.
4). Monitor your blood sugar during your travels
You will want to monitor your blood sugar levels during your trip. Make sure you have enough testing strips. Also, be certain that your blood sugar monitor has a healthy battery that will last for your entire vacation.
5). Account for any delays or layouts
You will never know what will happen during your flight. Be sure to account for any possible delays. Have at least a day’s extra test strips and insulin available. It is always better to have more than you need versus not having enough.
6). Wear a medical ID bracelet
In case of an emergency, have a medical ID bracelet on you which indicates your high blood sugar condition.
Desert Medical Offers Medical and Mobility Equipment for Travelers
For all of your mobility and medical equipment needs during your next vacation, rely on the team at Desert Medical. We provide what you need to ensure that your vacation is safe and enjoyable. We currently operate in a number of popular vacation destinations including Las Vegas. Contact us to learn more.
Image by Canva
