As someone with type 1 diabetes, managing my blood sugar isn’t optional — it’s survival. I’ve lived with the condition since I was 12, and I’ve learned to be proactive, especially when traveling. That means keeping snacks with me at all times.

On a recent flight from Chicago to Seattle, I found myself seated next to a family of three — a couple and their young son, who was already whining before takeoff and kicking the seat in front of him. He had a brand-new iPad, noise-canceling headphones, and more snacks than I’d packed myself.As we took off, I started feeling the warning signs of low blood sugar: dizziness, shaky hands, and a racing heart.

I reached for my protein bar — something I’ve done countless times — and that’s when the mother leaned over and whispered, “Can you not? Our son has sensitivities.” She was dead serious. Apparently, the sound of food wrappers and chewing would “set him off.”

I was stunned but too polite in the moment, so I put the bar away and tried to wait. Big mistake. About 40 minutes into the flight, I could feel myself crashing. I asked the flight attendant for a Coke and a snack box — only to have the dad cut in:

“No food for this row. Our son gets upset when people eat near him.” That’s when I’d had enough. I looked up and said clearly, “I have Type 1 diabetes. If I don’t eat now, I could pass out. So yes, I will be eating.” The surrounding passengers turned to look.

The parents were clearly embarrassed — but still didn’t back down. The mom even snapped, “He has needs too. It’s called empathy.” I looked at their son — eyes glued to his screen, munching on Skittles — and said:

“He seems fine. And your empathy shouldn’t come at the cost of my health.” The flight attendant returned with my snack and soda, and I ate in peace. The rest of the flight passed in silence. No tantrums.