Jet lag and blood sugar: How long-haul travel affect glucose levels

4 min readNew DelhiJul 31, 2026 06:00 AM IST Frequent travellers often notice that long-haul flights leave them feeling more than just tired. Crossing multiple time zones can disrupt the body’s internal clock, alter sleep patterns, affect meal timing and reduce physical activity for a few days. Because all of these factors influence how the body regulates glucose, some people wonder whether jet lag can temporarily affect blood sugar levels or even increase the risk of diabetes, particularly if they already have prediabetes or other metabolic risk factors. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.The connection between disrupted circadian rhythms and metabolic h