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Flying to Florida

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Skinny Chris

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Hi. Im flying to Florida in a couple of weeks and was wondering if there was anything specific I would need to do to help manage my type 2.

My main concern is over the last couple of weeks both of my lower legs have started to become swollen over the course the day. With my ankles swelling by around 8-10cm.
I went to see my G.P. who told me that "I have circualtion problems and this is all a part of being diabetic and to stop worrying".

Should I consider flight socks or something?

Im currently taking a combination 4mg rosaglitazone/1g metformin tablet with morning and night meals and an additional 1g metformin with lunch.

My most recent HbA1c level was 5.6 which has come down from 9.4 when I was first diagnosed with sudden onset diabetes back in May of this year. My BMI is 23.3 having lost some 18kgs since diagnosis. I have yet to see a consultant.
 
Can I ask are you on any other medications not related to Diabetes....this may have a bearing on the fluid retention you are suffering from ?
 
Hi Chris.

The reason I ask is that some blood pressure meds can have fluid retention as a side effect.

In my view you should get a second opinion as if not down to medications then it may well be something not related to Diabetes.

Circulation problems can have many causes and I certainly wouldn't accept the answer given to you.
 
Having just come back from Florida (I'm pre-diabetic, but manage my diet as if am T2), one problem is food/drink on the plane.

On my flight out in economy (couldn't get a business seat), they had no diet sodas at all, so it was water for the 8+hour flight, as I don't drink tea/coffee.

If you book a diabetic meal, you'll probably get a high-carb one - I tend to take potluck on the standard meal when travelling economy and then bring my own snacks to supplement as required.

On the way back I was in business, so the meal choice was wider and I was OK.

Don't know if you've been to Florida before, but I find it almost impossible to get any fast-ish food other than sugar/grease-burger style offerings in the main touristy areas.

Flight socks sounds like a good idea - and if in economy, make sure you don't have your knees jammed in tightly, affecting circulation.

When it comes to booking seats, you might like to try: http://seatexpert.com/ and www.seatguru.com - to make sure you can select a decent seat.
 
Forgot to say - I *always* take a baby asprin a day for several days before longhaul flights, to reduce chances of a DVT (aka economy class syndrome).

Do *not* do this without checking with your professional healthcare provider, in case it interferes with other medication.

If you are going to see your doc anyway, it would be a sensible plan to at least mention it.

And finally - *CONGRATULATIONS ON THE WEIGHTLOSS* I'm sure that will help you control your T2.

Mark
 
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