Airplanes?!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2004
Airplanes?!
4
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 1:53am

Hi all!  So I have never been bothered by airplanes before and my BS levels have not been too crazy latley, but man this was scary!  I had about an hour flight on Sunday, so I had breakfast before we left for the flight and all, but right before landing in the middle of the afternoon, I started to get kinda shakey and started sweating.  I couldn't easily get to my monitor, even though it was in my carry on, so I ate one of those bags of peanuts and then right after we landed, I got the monitor out and checked my sugar and it was just barely at 90.  When I got off the plane and to the restroom, I was getting shaky again.  My SO at this point, noticed I was quite pale and got me some pretzles. 


I don't know if any of this had to do with the flight or just something I ate, but has anyone else had problems with flying?! 


Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: ttuswtthng
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 2:03am

You were mostly like hypoglycemic. Your plane flight really wasn't the culprit. It was when you ate your breakfast, arrived at the airport two hours in advance and then took your flight without eating lunch that caused the problems. Most likely the time period between breakfast and your eventualy snack in the middle of the afternoon that caused the problem. The carbs in the peanuts got your blood sugar up to the range you saw when you were finally able to test.


The hand shaking is a sympathetic response to adrenalin and other hormones which are trying to get your blood sugar back up where it is normally.


Watch the next time you go traveling and make sure you eat a controlled amount about every three hours.


I hope this helps you,

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40

Co-CL Diabetes Board


iVillage Member
Registered: 05-02-2003
In reply to: ttuswtthng
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 2:25pm

I agree with Mary Frances.


I never eat before I get to the airport when I fly (I was just on a plane a couple weeks ago).

Blueliner4
(aka The Pixie Princess)

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2004
In reply to: ttuswtthng
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 5:48pm
I agree whole heartedly with blueliner4, my monitor is in my carry-on which I stash at my feet when flying. I've had episodes of the shakes when flying and was glad to be able to test and react as necessary. Also, rather than relying on the airlines limited selection and the airports temptations I pack a meal I know is adequate for me...half a sandwich, yogurt and a piece of fruit. I use a small insulated bag with a couple of reusable gel ice packs and always pack a couple of 4 ounce apple juice boxes (just in case) and I also keep that in my carry-on. This way I don't have to rely on anyone but me for my BS control. Another item I always carry in my purse, a package of glucose tablets. Flying can be somewhat stressful and I find that pushes my BS down, so I try to be prepared for anything. Take Care, Jmcruisin
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2004
In reply to: ttuswtthng
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 8:04pm

Thanks all!!