Elizabeth, a marketing consultant and frequent traveler, never expected to defend eating a protein bar on a plane. Living with Type 1 diabetes, she depends on regular snacks and insulin to keep her blood sugar stable, especially during flights. Preparedness is vital for her, and she carries emergency food and glucose tablets everywhere.

On a flight from Chicago to Seattle, Elizabeth’s blood sugar began dropping, prompting her to reach for a protein bar. However, the mother seated next to her objected, claiming the smell and noise would upset her son, who had sensory issues. Despite Elizabeth’s worsening condition, the parents insisted she wait, prioritizing their son’s comfort over her medical needs.

When the snack cart arrived, Elizabeth tried to order food, but the father demanded that no food or drinks be served in their row to avoid upsetting their son. The flight attendant hesitated, torn between accommodating the family and attending to Elizabeth’s obvious health needs. Finally, Elizabeth asserted her condition, explaining she could lose consciousness without food.

The cabin fell silent as passengers and crew recognized the seriousness of her situation. Elizabeth received her snack, and the parents were left speechless while their son remained absorbed in his iPad. She calmly told them to manage their child without infringing on her health.

This experience taught Elizabeth that advocating for invisible medical conditions is essential, even when others try to dismiss or invalidate them. Protecting one’s health is never rude—especially at 30,000 feet.