A Protein Bar, a Plane, and a Problem
Elizabeth, a frequent flyer and marketing consultant, lives with Type 1 diabetes. Her medical routine is second nature: test, inject, snack, repeat. But during a flight from Chicago to Seattle, a low blood sugar episode collided with a confrontation she never saw coming.

“Can You Not?”
As symptoms of low blood sugar hit just after takeoff, Elizabeth reached for a protein bar. That’s when the woman beside her objected: “Can you not? Our son is very sensitive.” The boy, absorbed in his iPad, showed no sign of distress. Still, Elizabeth held off, hoping to wait for the snack cart.

Big mistake.

Denied Again
By the time the cart came around, she was sweating and shaky. But before she could order, the boy’s father intervened: “No food or drinks for this row, thanks.” The mother chimed in: “It’s just a few hours. Surely she can manage.”

That’s when Elizabeth snapped: “Hi. I have Type 1 Diabetes. If I don’t eat something soon, I could lose consciousness. So yes, I will be eating. Thanks.”

Speaking Up for Health
The cabin fell silent. The flight attendant quickly brought her food. Elizabeth added, “Next time, book the whole row. Or better yet—fly private.”

When the mother later offered to “educate” her on their son’s condition, Elizabeth didn’t flinch: “Lady, I don’t care. I’m going to manage my medical condition however I need to.”

Her takeaway? “Invisible conditions are still real. And your life? Your health? It’s worth speaking up for—even at 30,000 feet.”