Flying often raises questions about its effects on the body, particularly concerning blood sugar levels. Individuals managing their blood sugar often wonder how air travel might influence their glycemic control. Understanding these factors can help in preparing for a smoother journey.
Direct Physiological Effects of Flight
The physical airplane cabin environment can directly influence blood sugar levels. Aircraft cabins are typically pressurized to an altitude around 8,000 feet, which results in lower atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen availability compared to sea level. This decrease in oxygen can prompt a stress response in the body, potentially leading to an increase in blood sugar. Altitude sickness may also contribute to elevated blood sugar as the body attempts to compensate.
Dehydration is common during flights due to the low humidity in airplane cabins. When the body becomes dehydrated, the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream increases because there is less water to dilute it. This can result in higher blood sugar readings, with even mild dehydration causing a significant rise. Dehydration can also impair kidney function, which regulates blood glucose.
Travel-Related Influences on Blood Sugar
Beyond direct physiological responses, various aspects of travel can impact blood sugar. Crossing multiple time zones, for instance, disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, affecting hormone regulation, including insulin. This disruption can lead to irregular meal times and medication schedules, making it challenging to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Travel can also be a source of stress, from navigating busy airports to dealing with unexpected delays. This stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which cause the liver to produce more glucose and raise blood sugar. Changes in diet, such as consuming unfamiliar foods or facing limited healthy options on planes, can disrupt usual eating patterns and lead to blood sugar fluctuations. Prolonged sitting during flights reduces physical activity, which can decrease insulin sensitivity and elevate blood sugar.
General Strategies for Blood Sugar Management During Travel
Maintaining stable blood sugar while flying involves several practical strategies. Staying well-hydrated is important; continuously sip water throughout the flight, aiming for at least eight ounces every few hours. Avoid sugary drinks, excessive caffeine, and alcohol, as these can negatively affect blood sugar and worsen dehydration. Proactive hydration before the flight can help counteract the dehydrating effects of air travel.
Making wise food choices is important. Packing healthy snacks rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats helps maintain blood sugar stability. Options like nuts, seeds, low-sugar protein bars, or fruits such as apples are beneficial. Bringing your own food also offers greater control over meal content and timing, which helps manage blood sugar.
Incorporating movement where possible can make a difference. Getting up and walking around the cabin every hour or so improves circulation and insulin sensitivity. If walking is not feasible, performing simple stretches in your seat is helpful. Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, can help mitigate the impact of travel-induced stress on blood sugar levels.
Specific Considerations for Individuals with Diabetes
Individuals managing diabetes should take additional steps when flying. Consult a healthcare provider several weeks before travel for personalized advice. This allows for discussion of current diabetes control and necessary adjustments to medication regimens.
Adjusting medication schedules, especially insulin doses, is often necessary when crossing time zones. Eastward travel shortens the day, which may require a reduction in insulin, while westward travel lengthens it, which may need additional doses or extra meals. Patients using insulin pumps should be aware that changes in cabin pressure during ascent and descent can affect insulin delivery, sometimes leading to over- or under-delivery; careful monitoring is important.
Frequent blood sugar monitoring is important throughout the journey, including during flights and upon arrival at the destination. Some glucose meters may provide less accurate readings at higher altitudes. Carrying all diabetes supplies, including insulin, in carry-on luggage is important, as checked baggage can expose medications to extreme temperatures and pressures. Insulin should be kept cool, but not frozen, using insulated bags.
Pack at least double the amount of medication and supplies needed for the trip. Carrying medical identification and contact information for a physician is beneficial. When going through airport security, inform Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents about diabetes supplies, as they are permitted in carry-on luggage, including medically necessary liquids. Insulin and devices generally pass safely through X-ray machines, but a manual inspection can be requested.