Type 1 - flying long haul - effect on insulin

[AndrewR]

Here's a puzzling one. I was recently on a flight from the UK to Mauritius (12 hour flight). After eating a usual sized meal, and having injected my usual Novo Rapid dose pre-meal, I watched a movie and then at 11pm time of origin injected levemir as I would usually do before bed. As I injected, however, there was a very unusual reaction on the skin (in a usual injection site). The site turned very red and then spread to a short area around the injection site. Shortly after that, I began to feel unwell and nauseous and started gagging, although I didn't throw up. I also experiences fever and sweating. After 10 minutes however, this feeling passed, and I felt fine again. The discolouration on the skin remained for some weeks however.

Has anyone ever experienced this before, or is anyone aware of any symptoms of using insulin at altitude? I had kept the insulin cool, and can't think of any obvious reasons. All other factors were usual (nothing unusual in diet, dosage of insulin, no alcohol intake, or no other unusual factors).
Any ideas would be much appreciated!


Thanks.
Andy

[JDRF-Team-JW]

I'm also a volunteer here. I've never had a similar experience although I fly rather frequently, and before the pump have always injected insulin on flights. Now this may have nothing to do with it whatsoever, but I remember being told by doctors that when injecting insulin on a plane I shouldn't inject air into the vial first, before drawing the insulin out -as I normally did - because of the air pressure inside the plane. I doubt that contributed at all to your experience but it's the only thing I could think of regarding taking insulin injections on a plane.

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

I'm another volunteer here and also not a medical professional.  WAK is right that you should talk to your doc about this episode.

While I haven't had the specific reaction you described, I can remember having some unusual symptoms if I accidentally injected into a blood vessel or muscle so that my insulin "hit" more quickly than it would otherwise.

As you know, we strive to inject in fatty-tissue (subQ or subcutaneous) that is nourished by a healthy blood supply.  If we inject into a muscle or blood vessel the action of the insulin might be quite different and may result in the insulin becoming active much more quickly than we expect.

I also read some information about insulin injections/side effects on MedicineNet.com and I expect their information is similar to what is on the package insert for your particular type of insulin.  Do read the particulars of potential side effects for your specific insulins.

Here is an excerpt:
"...SIDE EFFECTS: Insulin may cause minor and usually temporary side effects such as rash, irritation or redness at the injection site. ...In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist."

And WOW! I hope you had a wonderful time on your trip!!  

[AndrewR]

Many thanks for that. I guess it may have just been one of those things - I've not had that reaction before or since. Perhaps I just got a blood vessel which triggered the side effect.

Since becoming dxd, I may be just becoming a hypochondriac!

Thanks for your responses.
A.

[JDRF-Team-wak]

We have not had any problems when my daughter was on shots, (or even on the pump) taking her insulin at high altitudes, when we were flying.  I would suggest that you contact the manufacturer of the insulin and let them know what happened they might be of help.  Their contact information is usually in the packaging.

I am sorry that I could have been of more help.