An effective insulin regimen for long distance air travel

Long distance air travel which involves crossing time zones can cause problems with insulin dosage and timing. During the summer of 1993, 16 insulin-treated patients who sought advice about crossing time zones were advised to change to a pre-meal short-acting insulin regimen during their flight. Patients taking twice-daily insulin were individually advised and took between 15% and 20% of their total daily dose as short-acting insulin with each main meal. No intermediate-or long-acting insulin was given. They were encouraged to monitor blood glucose levels frequently, to make minor adjustments where necessary and to return to their usual regimen when their daily routine had returned to normal. Patients found this system easy to apply and were satisfied with it. No significant problems were encountered.