Flying May Lower Blood Sugar Control in Type 1
Adults with type 1 diabetes on automated insulin systems spent less time in range during flights in a preliminary study.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Diabetes
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A preliminary real-world study found that adults with type 1 diabetes using automated insulin delivery systems had lower blood sugar control during air travel than on the ground. The findings were presented at the 2026 Diabetes Technology Meeting and are relevant to people with type 1 diabetes who fly.
Why it matters
Flying is a common but under-studied stressor for people managing insulin, and in-flight glucose swings could affect safety on long trips. The study adds real-world evidence to earlier laboratory work suggesting cabin conditions may alter insulin delivery, which helps explain why travelers may need closer monitoring.
This preliminary study followed 42 adults with type 1 diabetes across 91 commercial flights in eight European countries, comparing 14 days before travel with in-flight and post-flight data. Because it is preliminary and observational, the results describe patterns in this group rather than proving cause and effect.
The players
Diabetes Technology Meeting
An annual international conference focused on diabetes technology, including insulin delivery systems and glucose monitoring devices.
The details
Automated insulin delivery systems adjust insulin dosing based on continuous glucose readings. Earlier in vitro research suggested that changes in cabin pressure can cause bubbles to form and expand inside insulin cartridges, which may lead pumps to over-deliver insulin on takeoff and under-deliver it on landing. Participants were not restricted in food or drink, reflecting typical travel conditions.
Timeline
Glucose data were collected between March 2025 and April 2026.
The findings were presented at the 2026 Diabetes Technology Meeting.
Health Landscape
Automated insulin delivery systems have become a standard option for many people with type 1 diabetes, but most supporting data come from controlled settings. This study moves the question into everyday travel conditions, where population-level glucose management during flights has been poorly documented.
If you have type 1 diabetes and plan to fly, this research suggests your glucose may run lower in the air, so it is worth discussing with your care team how to monitor levels before, during and after travel. Keep in mind these are population-level patterns from a preliminary study, not individual predictions.
The takeaway
Blood sugar control appeared lower in flight than on the ground in this preliminary study, so people with type 1 diabetes who travel may benefit from a conversation with their clinician about in-flight monitoring. Expert guidance on responding to in-flight glucose changes is still being developed, so watch for future recommendations.
Further reading
For broader context on managing blood sugar over time, explore our Diabetes coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
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