Bg's while flying

[spiritfree]

Next wednesday I will be flying to kos. for a week. I have never flown before and I am wondering what happens to bg's when flying and on a pump. If anyone has any advice for me please reply.

 

[robofski]

Can't comment specifically about a pump but I fly a fair bit and don't find I have any BG problems whilst in the air. I hope it's a holiday and if it is have a great time 🙂

 

[spiritfree]

Thanks Robofski. Yes it is a holiday. A friend of mine lives on kos and we will be staying with her.

 

[robofski]

Next Monday I fly to Italy but mine is not a holiday! Over 30 flights this year and not one for pleasure . Do I sound jealous (I am )

 

[DeusXM]

Check with your pump manufacturer about their advice regarding metal detectors/x-ray machines at airports. There is supposedly a risk these things can knock out an insulin pump, although the only evidence for this I've seen is a news report of teenage girl on a summer camp away from her parents whose insulin pump magically broke on the way home (as opposed to the probably far more likely prospect she just wrecked while away). But it's better to check just in case.

In terms of your BGs - it's only 3 hours or so, so I wouldn't stress it too much. Things to bear in mind are that you'll be sat down for three hours so potentially you'll be doing less physical activity. If you're flying on the sort of airline that gives you a meal, most of the meals are loaded with carbs (by the way, the 'diabetic' meal is even worse!). So your BG might be up. On the other hand, you're lugging a suitcase, which could be more activity than you're used to, and if you're anything like me you'll have to run to the gate in a mad panic. Then you're also likely to be more stressed than usual, which could make your BG go either way.

So the short answer is "dunno, it depends on you." The longer answer is "as long as you've got your test strips, insulin and some glucose with you, who cares? You'll be able to fix any problems straight away."

 

[Copepod]

No particular issues with flying - apart from challenges of getting through security with an insulin pump, something I don't have to consider personally.

I often find I crave tomato juice on planes, so have one if it's offered. Otherwise a diet cola, or nothing if it's overpriced.

Just test occasionally, and be prepared for whatever the weather is like in Kos - I'm guessing it will be warmer there than in UK, with a more dramatic difference by next Wed.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

So the short answer is "dunno, it depends on you." The longer answer is "as long as you've got your test strips, insulin and some glucose with you, who cares? You'll be able to fix any problems straight away."

Completely agree with that!

Be aware that you may have to consider bluetooth connection between pump and remote (speak to pump support/look up your pump mfer website). On the Veo/Countour you can press and hold up/down to disable bluetooth sending of any result.

I've also heard lots of peeps mention the scanner - apparently you're not supposed to x-ray the pump. I think you disconnect momentarily, pass it round the scanner/xray and it gets swabbed - but airline FAQ and/or pump mfer might have more specific advice.

I've also heard murmerings about the differences in cabin pressure to standard groud level pressure and whether this slightly affects basal delivery. Can't comment as I've never flown with mine, but as DeusXm says, there are a *lot* of other unusual things going on too, so probably best to just test a bit more frequently if you are unsure.

Hope you have a great holiday! 🙂

 

[Phil65]

I've flown quite a few times as a pumper, I always put a TBR on of 200%.....it works for me but you will have to work out what is right for you, a short flight shouldn't affect your normal rates though I wouldn't have thought. I have always gone through airport scanners wearing my pump....no problem at all and usually the staff swab it. .....remember, you can and are entitled to take an extra piece of hand lugagge at no extra cost (it will be in the airline's Ts and cs) useful for all your spare D stuff....I always go through more cannulas on hols, so make sure you take more than enough of everything. Enjoy your holiday 🙂

 

[HOBIE]

I have been on with & witout pump (no difference). The first time with pump i was a bit worried about it so i dissconected & put cork in. Put pump in hand luggage. Didnt on way back with "NO probs". With regards to bgs. Mine allways go up probably becuse i am sitting down & behaving ! 😉 Have an ex time on holi !! 😎

 

[Monica]

With regards to BG levels, I didn't notice any difference.

The Animas rep told us that the pump is NOT allowed to go through the x-ray machine. And if you have to walk through the new x-ray machine, take your pump off and tell them that the x-ray machine could break it. The normal archway is ok to go through though🙂

 

[m1dnc]

As others have said, there's a number of factors (stress, lack of exercise etc) pulling in opposite directions, so how theses affect you are not really possible to predict.

I've found I need a TBR of 120% for long haul flights, but don't bother for short flights like yours. Just test frequently.

Don't forget to take extra supplies (particularly infusion sets) for unpredictable events - I usually take 50% more than I think I'll need. And make sure it's all packed in your hand baggage. As Phil65 said you are entitled to an extra piece of hand baggage to carry all the med kit.

I was told in very emphatic terms by my DSN not to put the pump through the X-ray machine, but it's OK to go through the security archway with it attached to you normally. I always point out the pump to the security people and have always been treated most courteously. The pump has usually been swabbed for an explosives check.

If you have a back up pump, apparently that is OK to go through the X-ray machine with your other supplies in your hand baggage, provided it is turned off and there are no batteries in it. That applies to a Roche Spirit Combo pump at least - check for yours.

As Mike said, turn off any Bluetooth connections between pump and meter (if that is relevant) when you're on board the aircraft, and don't forget to adjust the time setting for your destination. I usually do that as soon as the 'plane takes off.

I've found that my insulin needs go down in a hot climate, so I have a basal rate profile that is 20% lower than my normal UK profile pre-setup on my pump. Again different people react differently to heat so keep testing more often than you would normally.

Last of all, relax and have a great holiday.

 

[spiritfree]

Thanks for the replies. I go to dr's wednesday, my last chance to pick my medication and all of the dressings, for my tummy. I will actually be getting a prescription for 31 differant items! Thanks for all of your hrlp. I am very nervous, as this is my first trip abroad but I'm sure I will have a lovely time.

 

[Phil65]

Thanks for the replies. I go to dr's wednesday, my last chance to pick my medication and all of the dressings, for my tummy. I will actually be getting a prescription for 31 differant items! Thanks for all of your hrlp. I am very nervous, as this is my first trip abroad but I'm sure I will have a lovely time.

.......I'm ABSOLUTELY certain you will have a great time!

 

[spiritfree]

Thanks for replies, everyone. I think I'm all sorted now. I am so nervous, as this is my first venture abroad. This is sure to mess up bg's. However the flight is only 4 hours.😱😱