
October 13, 1999
Traveling
Question from Waterford, Connecticut, USA:
Please suggest methods for adjusting insulin/food when we make a 6 hour time change during vacation. My daughter is type 1, 9 years old and diagnosed 5 months ago.
Answer:
There are several ways to make the time change without running into problems with your diabetes. You can gradually move all meals and insulins back or forwards about 2 hours at a time and so three days later you would be all set for the new time zone. Or you can cover the food intake with Humalog or Regular insulin on the day of travel — no long-acting insulin — (frequent blood glucose testing and carrying quick-acting carbohydrate are musts) and when you arrive at your new destination go back on your old schedule. Discuss with your diabetes team!
LSF