Diabetics,
flying through several time zones, are more prone to either hyperglycemia [too much
glucose in the blood] or hypoglycemia [too little glucose]. They are also more
susceptible to the effects of dehydration.
They should:
- Keep glucose tablets on
your person, in your purse where they are easily accessed.
- Keep their watches on
home time for the flight duration and until the
morning after the
flight to maintain their normal meal and snack routine;
- Check their glucose
blood levels more frequently en route;
- Drink more water or other
fluids so you do not become dehydrated;
- Have snacks, glucose
testing materials and insulin packed in their carry-on luggage,
never stow it in checked baggage;
- Follow the above
advise for mitigation of dehydration;
- Avoid in-flight
alcoholic beverages [some airline personnel believe that diabetics
drinking alcoholic beverages, especially white wine, become
demanding and aggressive], diabetics shouldn't be drinking alcohol
in the first place;
If you become
hypoglycemic:
- Take 1
or 2 Glucose Tabs as soon as you feel symptoms of hypoglycemia
coming on. If you do not have your Glucose tabs with you,
drink orange juice, a regular coke or fruit juice immediately as a quick remedy for advanced
hypoglycemia.
|
