Travelling Abroad

[BPF]

Hello you beautiful people,

I hope you're well doing well.

I haven't been diagnosed with type 2 yet but a few weeks ago they told me that my level was 48 (not going to lie the different type of measurements confuse me, whole numbers, percentages, decimals..) and I'm waiting for my next appointment to check my bloods again to confirm if i am type 2.

I know this is at the beginning stages so I am in a good position it under control quickly.

For the last week, i have cut out all sweets, crisps, sugary drinks and sticking to a low carb diet (well as low as i can for a fussy eater) and thankfully have lost 8lbs in a week.

I also got myself a BG meter and testing myself before and 2 hours after meals for the last 2 days and those reading seem normal according to the info i can see on here (5.7/6.8 -- 5.3/6.3 -- 4.9/6.3 -- 5.1/7.3 -- 6.1/4.9 -- 5.9).

I'm hoping that i am on the low side of 48 and my efforts will bring me back into the pre-diabetes range but regardless i still need to watch my sugars.

I'll be travelling from Northern Ireland to Dubai in May and will likely be 8-10 hours of travelling so I have a few questions im hoping you can help with.

1) Any tips for food/snack for a fussy eater while travelling this length of time?
2) Any tips on dealing with sugar levels in high temperatures? or is it literally just drink more water?
3) Is there any issues with travelling with BG meter and lance if i am not diagnosed as type 2? (id like to keep monitoring my daily levels even if i dont get diagnosed) I've tried checking Emirate's website but cant seem to find anything specific.

Thanks in advance,
Brendan

 

[AndBreathe]

Hi Brendan, an HbA1c score of 48 is the diagnostic threshold for diabetes, so you were right on the edge. With the blood glucose scores you note above, it looks like you're doing well.

Vis-a-vis travelling; flights and airline food can be a nightmare - with or without diabetes. I often just fast for the flight. Indeed, on my last trip to SE Asia, I fasted from Heathrow to my Asian destination 36 hours later. Obviously, I still took on board fluids to remain hydrated. I prepared for that by eating carnivore for 48 hours beforehand.

You won't have any issues travelling with a blood glucose meter. I doubt it would even be noticed.

My blood sugars are usually very good in the heat. Hot weather; the hotter the better is my happy place. Depending on how long you will be in the heat, I would just ensure I drank plenty to stay hydrated and concentrate on that.

Having been living with T2 since 2013, I've got the hang of a few (but certainly not all) things, so don't usually find feeding myself too tricky. If your on a holiday trip, my advice would be to do your best, but have a great time. Life it about making memories.

 

[BPF]

Hi Brendan, an HbA1c score of 48 is the diagnostic threshold for diabetes, so you were right on the edge. With the blood glucose scores you note above, it looks like you're doing well.

Vis-a-vis travelling; flights and airline food can be a nightmare - with or without diabetes. I often just fast for the flight. Indeed, on my last trip to SE Asia, I fasted from Heathrow to my Asian destination 36 hours later. Obviously, I still took on board fluids to remain hydrated. I prepared for that by eating carnivore for 48 hours beforehand.

You won't have any issues travelling with a blood glucose meter. I doubt it would even be noticed.

My blood sugars are usually very good in the heat. Hot weather; the hotter the better is my happy place. Depending on how long you will be in the heat, I would just ensure I drank plenty to stay hydrated and concentrate on that.

Having been living with T2 since 2013, I've got the hang of a few (but certainly not all) things, so don't usually find feeding myself too tricky. If your on a holiday trip, my advice would be to do your best, but have a great time. Life it about making memories.

Thank you! Your comments have definitely put my mind at ease about travelling. I’ll just fast for the travel time then.

You’re 100% right about making memories, the missus and I were due to be getting married in this trip but decided to reschedule it because of Russian/Ukraine (Wedding was planned in Georgia) so I still want us to be able to enjoy this trip as much as we can and hoping BS won’t get in the way too much.

Thanks again