Longer flights are stressful for any traveller, but especially for diabetics, because the stress of the journey combined with the change in meals upsets the insulin balance. With these tips, even diabetics can enjoy their holiday flight:

It is advisable for diabetics to bring their own food. It is better not to rely on the on-board catering. This way, they are not tied to fixed meal times and can eat their meals when they need them. Of course, this is the only way a diabetic can be sure that the food is suitable for them.

An aisle seat is better than a window seat because it gives you more freedom to get up and move around. Poor blood circulation caused by sitting for hours on end is particularly unhealthy for diabetics. To make sure you don't forget to move, you can set an hourly alarm to be on the safe side.

You should buy a bottle of water immediately after the security checks. Too little fluid in the body causes headaches and can increase the sugar level.

You can keep your blood circulation going with simple foot exercises while sitting. Lift your toes up every half hour, hold for a few seconds and then relax again. Circle both feet a few times. Finally, lift the heel, hold it and relax again.

Stress causes strong fluctuations in sugar levels. To reduce the stress of travelling, diabetics should arrive at the airport in good time so that they have enough time to board their plane. The rule of thumb is to queue at the counter two hours before departure. If you are flying during the summer holidays, you should add half an hour to this.

Don't forget to keep dextrose handy for emergencies.