Just because you have diabetes does not mean you cannot travel. You definitely can take a vacation even with diabetes, however there is a case for concern especially when it comes to eating airline meals.
Eating On Board with Diabetes
Medical experts said that those who have diabetes do not necessary need to eat diabetic meals on board. However, you need to be familiar with what is on the menu. Passengers are usually given 2 options when it comes to the main. This is where you need to make a calculated choice when choosing your meals. Go for the option that is more diabetes friendly. For instance, choosing white meat over red meat.
Another wise move when it comes to having a standard in-flight meal is to skip dessert. Standard in-flight meals usually come with a pudding or cake. It could also be wise to leave out the dessert and the carbs and gravy in your main course.
Eating the right food can be difficult when you are stuck inside an airplane with a limited menu. It’s best to get in touch with the airline company before your flight. Some companies may be able to cater to your needs. Otherwise, you may need to go on your flight with more preparation.
Opt for “Diabetic” In-flight meals
These days, most airline companies offer “diabetic” meal option. Make sure you pre-select your meals when booking your flight. If the airline did not specify any options for you during booking, give them a call ahead.
Diabetic meal options usually comes with more diabetes-friendly dessert options such as fruits instead of the usual sweet treats. The mains are likely lower in sugar and fat.
Consider Bringing Your Own Meal
Your safest option is to bring your own meals on board. Most airline foods, including the “diabetic” meal option, are highly processed and may come with lots of sugar and additives. Therefore, it might be best to bring your own food.
Furthermore, airline meals are often small. If you are on a long haul flight, it could be a wise choice to eat your meals ahead or prepare some safe snacks so you will not end up hungry.
Be Aware of Plane Regulations
It’s important to note that some airline companies may have regulations when it comes to bringing food on board. Also, custom laws and regulations will vary from one country to another. Therefore, before you bring anything, you may want to do your research first.
Not all kinds of food can pass through customs. This is especially true for food with high liquid content like soups, juices, etc. Security might not allow you to bring them on the plane. Certain countries do not allow you to bring cooked food across customs. If so, you can still consider purchasing a suitable meal in the cafes after immigration.
You need to pack your food according to security standards. For instance, packing in a container and having a separate carry bag for your meals.
