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Newly diagnosed going on long haul flight. Looking for advice

J

Jo1906

Newbie
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3
Type of diabetes
Prefer not to say
Treatment type
Other
Hi
I have had a stressful week, bloods taken last Monday as part of a routine health check. Dr telephoned Wednesday saying blood sugars very high and bloods need to be repeated. So bloods taken again Wednesday. On Friday GP practice nurse appointment given. I have been that my mmol level is 123 and I have diabetes. As there is a family history of type 1 I am awaiting confirmation of if type 1 or 2.
I have not yet been given an appointment with a diabetic nurse but insulin injections were suggested. I have no idea when I will get a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan or appointment.
But I a going on holiday in 4 weeks, long haul flight and I am starting to panic, I have no idea what to do on the flight, change of time zones and if the heat will cause an issue.
 
I have no advice for how to deal with the plane journey, but have you informed your travel insurance?You may find that this could cause issues if you have not and you need to claim when you are away. It may be best to phone them and ask if you need to amend your policy information although you have not had an actual confirmed diagnosis.
 
AllieRainbow said:
I have no advice for how to deal with the plane journey, but have you informed your travel insurance?You may find that this could cause issues if you have not and you need to claim when you are away. It may be best to phone them and ask if you need to amend your policy information although you have not had an actual confirmed diagnosis.
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Thanks, I have phoned them and explained the current situation but will contact again once I have a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
 
Also - I am Type 2 and if you think it is possible you could be Type 1 there are many members would may be able to help you.
 
Jo1906 said:
Thanks, I have phoned them and explained the current situation but will contact again once I have a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Not much we can advise till we know your diabetes type. If T1 then I am guessing that you'll be put on insulin, and you'll need advice from your doctor on whether you are yet safe to travel. (Long term there is no issue, but it may be tricky if you aren't stable yet. Neither heat nor changes in time zones are much of an issue for a T1 in my personal opinion, though they may require adjustments.)

Have you been given any method for testing your blood sugar and/or ketone levels?

If your hba1c was 123 mmol/mol then that is an average blood sugar of 18.8mmol/L which is very high. (We have had T2 members with initial levels that high who have ended up controlling their diabetes by diet, but I don't think it's many.)

I'm guessing you are aware of the risks of DKA but as it's so dangerous I'll link this anyway.
www.nhs.uk

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Find out about diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), including what the symptoms are, when to get medical help and how to prevent it.
www.nhs.uk www.nhs.uk

It's good that you have insurance. Hopefully you won't need it but it is a possibility.

Are you willing to share your holiday destination?

And welcome to the DCUK forums.
 
Did the nurse do any finger tests, BG and Ketones?
As @EllieM said, if it is Type 1 with that glucose you will need to keep a close watch on your ketones. You should be able to get urine strips to do this, while you are waiting.
DKA is the extreme end of things, but it is a hospital emergency.
 
Hi I travelled to the Carribean with type 2 & one dose insulin, It worked out OK. BUT, I contacted my GPs practice by their electronic service explaining my concerns re time difference and flight length for dosages and food regime. (Check when you will eat on the flight x1 or 2, and what u take with you)
I got a helpful phone call back with advice from a GP. He explained what and why. My diagnosis had been complete but I hadnt long been on insulin long.
Make sure your GP knows you are travelling soon , dates, where, how, Its important that Doc knows, ensure she sanctions the travel for insurance purposes, one must be traveling with their agreement. That's always the case with new diagnoses. Best wishes
 
The way I see it is if you go for a week or two still with high blood sugar it won't make much difference as it can take a long time to get down to normal levels as it is (this is what happened to me 129 down to 45) Since you are newly diagnosed and dont know what type or treatment yet then another week or two being high will hardly make much difference
enjoy you holiday and worry when you get back
 
Enjoy your hols as Mark says.
Still tell your insurance company & get the ok from GP. it shouldnt be a problem. if flights are a problem or something else happens, unrelated to health, the insurance co need to know about everything.
My hubby had a minor issue he didnt think to declare, and that became an issue with an claim unrelated to health...
Or see if theres a place on this site re travel and insurance.
Have fun without concern
 
Mark Rawlinson said:
The way I see it is if you go for a week or two still with high blood sugar it won't make much difference as it can take a long time to get down to normal levels as it is (this is what happened to me 129 down to 45) Since you are newly diagnosed and dont know what type or treatment yet then another week or two being high will hardly make much difference
enjoy you holiday and worry when you get back
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An hba1c of 123 means an average blood glucose of around 19.
Which is well into the possible realm of DKA or diabetic ketoacidosis, especially if T1, which can develop rather quickly.
DKA on a long haul flight sounds like a life threatening nightmare and a possible detour of the plane.

I agree with others on enjoying your holiday, but not this carelessly.
@Jo1906 , are you receiving treatment yet? Do you have a means to test your blood glucose and your ketones?
 
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