Traveling next week through six time zones. Need suggestions on changing the time on my Dexcom. Should I change it gradually, change it when I reach my destination, leave it (which I don’t think is right) I guess between the first two. Just remembered, need to change my glucometer too! Been awhile since I’ve traveled with such a large time change, can’t remeber what I’ve done in the past.
I always change my clocks, meters, etc. when I first get settled onto the plane. Then eat and bolus based on the time I’ll be when I land. You have lots of time on the plane and very little to do, so you may as well use it getting used to your new schedule (and testing BG a lot), rather than needing to do it when you first land and you have so many other things to do. This has worked great for me on trips to Europe and Japan (even more time zones!)
A Dexcom is a CGMS, right? Does it use a radio to transmit results from the insertion site to the control unit? If so you may need to turn it off while in flight - at least the Minimed CGMS directions say you need to. (I’m going to try out a Minimed CGMS starting next Monday so I just read through the literature).
Barb,
I agree with Jag1. I change my wristwatch to destination time when I get on the plane. I change the meter when I have it out. I have usually already figured when I did my basal that morning what I was going to do with insulin.
Sounds good. Changing as soon as I’m on the plane was what I thought I might do. With 6 hours difference it would work out easily. Just move lunch to breakfast/ dinner to lunch.
I thought that was pretty severe restriction. I’m surprised they haven’t changed that yet it in the brochures they give to prospective purchasers.
I change it when I reach my destination. Travelling really screws with my BG. I found that if I can make gradual changes to my meal doses based on my home schedule, the transition isn’t so rough. Being on MDI is a pain because I have to ride out whatever basal dose is working at that time.
I flew with my Dexcom reciver on all the way. None of the crew said a word about it but I’m sure they didn’t know what it was I was staring at constantly. I tucked it away through take-offs and landings, but it stayed on…
Thanks, that sounds like it might work. I was just trying to figure out an eating schedule. If I eat breakfast as usual and then eat lunch and dinner an hour or so later than normal. I thought I might keep some record of “normal” time until I get there so I know exactly what “should” be happening. Change the CGM so that my downloads are correct.
Yeah, I think if I were on a pump, I might have a different approach but I really have to pay attention to what Lantus is doing and how it’s affecting my BG on its schedule, then make my own changes accordingly.
Hmmm, six hours behind huh? Travelling to Hawaii???!!! =)
Ooooooo Yeaaaaaaa! Been hotter than hell and humid in Michigan, going to Hawaii to get away from the heat!! =)
It’s times like this that I seriously think about a pump.
Ooo indeed! I R Jealous!!! =)
But you’re already standing on a beach!!!
Hah!! Yeah, true.
That’s “beautiful” Dockweiler Beach near El Segundo. You have a great view of the Hyperion Sewage Treatment Plant from where I was standing. It’s also right under the flight path for the Los Angeles International Airport. On busy travel days, a 747 will roar overhead every 5 minutes. The day I had that picture taken, there was a lovely green scum floating all along the surfline. I haven’t actually been in the water at an LA beach in years. =P
Nooo, I’ll take Hawaii any day. =)
Understand.