Type 2 A question on long distance travel.

chalkie560 said:

Hi, I have type 2 diabetes, check blood sugar level 4 times a day and have to inject insulin twice a day. We are planning on visiting Australia soon and I am looking for some advice on how to cope with managing my levels over the travel time etc. We leave Heathrow at 21:00 in the evening so I would have been up for at least 12 hours, the we have a 28 hour flight. I am sure many diabetics have made this trip, so how do you manage ? How often should I check my blood sugar, how often do you inject, etc.

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I have no experience with this, and nor do I use insulin, but it could be useful to say how long your trip will last, as that might influence how you deal with things.

Have a wonderful trip. Australasia is the one continent I haven't visited yet, but it's on the list.

chalkie560 said:

We leave Heathrow at 21:00 in the evening so I would have been up for at least 12 hours, the we have a 28 hour flight.

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You must have a stopover somewhere for more than a few hours ... have you figured that into your calcs and your insulin requirements? It doesn't take that long unless you have a scheduled connecting flight (I'm ex airline employee) at another port where you incur a "natural" delay

Emirates I take it? That sounds like change of flight number ... maybe a change of aircraft. If not, (and yes, intnl stopovers for fuelling, loading of catering and cleaning can take some time) then I'd probably work around your regime with the first and second sectors.

I come up from Australia to the uk, & I cope like this admittedly I am on 1 dose of Lantus a day using 90 units plus 2 metformin & 2 diamicron but it may give you ideas So.... I was told to take my full dose as per usual -[ you fly out to uk at night time from here & land at night too)] that night then keep a watch on aussie time& take my insulin & do my tests as I would if i were home' then when I land take half MY dose that night & the other half in the morning then that night ( the day after i have landed) revert back to the full dose , like wise with my tablets I took them while in flight according to my aussie watch then just reverted back to taking them in the morning once in the uk , If you let yourself get wound up over it it will spoil your flight so see your diabetes nurse about it or your Doc, when on board if your blood sugars too low go see the cabin crew there's always someone in the galley I went once & they brought out a big basket of fruit & chocolates & told me to help myself ! I have no problem with airline food was told not to tick the diabetes selection as it was so bland so I have the normal food & you do get quite a bit I find you could for instance save the cheese & crackers for a snack later ? That's what I do . Also as you will be carrying insulin you will have to declare that at customs but I have never had any trouble with that go down the red aisle & someone will ask you & wave you through infact I sometimes think going down the red aisles a lot quicker than the green. Anyway this is how I go on , it may be slightly different for you, enjoy the flight & your holiday!!! If you run out of insulin over in the uk they wont fill your script you have to go & see a doctor & get a uk prescription I would imagine its the same over here I always take my scripts with me incase I have to stay longer plus its proof you are on it if you need more , I have often thought of just taking the insulin I need to get me up there then going to get a script up there but I have never been game I take up to 6 weeks worth up with me in my hand luggage not even in a cold bag I just put it in the fridge when I get to wherever am going to , anyway rambling now , am off to bed 11-30 pm this end of the world - goodnight!!