• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Newly diagnosed going on long haul flight. Looking for advice

J

Jo1906

Newbie
Messages
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
Back
Top