Flying for first time with insulin?

[Louise12216]

Hi, I am due to fly in a few weeks and this will be the first time whilst I am in insulin. I have been on insulin for just over 2 years - I was put on it in June 2020. I was diagnosed 12 years ago. As much as I know everyone is different in how they react to insulin are there any tips for the need to inject when on an aircraft long haul flight (about 9 hours). Does being in the aircraft mean it’s absorbed quicker or slower. I have a travelling with Diabetes mag I was given a couple of years ago as I was supposed to travel then but it’s not that clear. I am on Humilin M3 which I need to inject ideally 30mins before breakfast and my evening meal, but can get away with injecting as soon as possible after eating as well.

 

[EllieM]

Hi @Lpoise12216 and welcome to the forums.

I've never personally noticed any difference in insulin activity on a plane as compared to the ground, though I am T1 and not T2. My issues have involved time changes (Australia and the UK). If you haven't got much of a time change I would just inject as normal. My tip for airports is to have glucose handy for hypos, as they always seem to happen at the worst moment and there is not much point having it in an overhead locker if the seatbelt signs are on and you are hypo...

I just inject in my seat (insulin pen).

 

[Deleted member 527103]

Like @EllieM I have never noticed any difference in the speed of absorption of insulin when flying. The cabin is pressurised so I can't think of anything which could affect it.
I always inject in my seat and usually do so when I start seeing the food trolley coming towards me in my part of the plane.
My tip would be as natural as possible. Don't make a big thing about injecting. Just do it. Very few people will notice and those who do are either diabetic, know someone with diabetes or nosey.

 

[Louise12216]

Hi @Lpoise12216 and welcome to the forums.

I've never personally noticed any difference in insulin activity on a plane as compared to the ground, though I am T1 and not T2. My issues have involved time changes (Australia and the UK). If you haven't got much of a time change I would just inject as normal. My tip for airports is to have glucose handy for hypos, as they always seem to happen at the worst moment and there is not much point having it in an overhead locker if the seatbelt signs are on and you are hypo...

I just inject in my seat (insulin pen).

Hi, thanks, the time change is 5 hours so when I get there I will be 5 hours behind uk time and vice versa when I travel home. I will have a bag of jelly babies on me for the trip just in case. I had planned to just inject whilst in my seat, they are already booked and it’s just a row of 2 seats so just me and hubby so I am sure I can be discreet.

 

[Louise12216]

Like @EllieM I have never noticed any difference in the speed of absorption of insulin when flying. The cabin is pressurised so I can't think of anything which could affect it.
I always inject in my seat and usually do so when I start seeing the food trolley coming towards me in my part of the plane.
My tip would be as natural as possible. Don't make a big thing about injecting. Just do it. Very few people will notice and those who do are either diabetic, know someone with diabetes or nosey.

Hi, thank you, hopefully it will all go smoothly (as going by air is at the moment ).

 

[Outlier]

And be sure to take all your meds in your hand luggage, in case your suitcase is lost.

 

[Louise12216]

And be sure to take all your meds in your hand luggage, in case your suitcase is lost.

Hi, Absolutely, thank you, everything I cannot be without will be in my hand luggage - will just be praying the rest of my luggage arrives with me!