Altitude

[amylivinglife]

Hi,
Does altitude affect your blood sugar levels?
I am a 17 year old type 1 diabetic and planning a hike up Macchu Picchu (peru), would this affect my insulin pr blood glucose levels because of the altitude?
Thanks Amy

 

[Deleted Account]

To be honest, it is difficult to answer that question because BG meters become unreliable at high altitudes.
I walked to above 4,000m in Nepal. Whilst I could not rely on my measurements, I did not experience a hypo and did not struggle as if my BG was high.
Obviously, if your body has difficulty with altitude, the stress can affect your BG.

It maybe worthwhile contacting Diabetes Uk with your question as they have arranged sponsored climbs of Kilimanjaro.

But whatever happens with your BG, have an amazing trip.

 

[Dark Horse]

This article discusses potential effects of altitude on diabetes https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633730/

This article discusses Machu Picchu and altitude https://www.howtoperu.com/how-high-is-machu-picchu-and-risk-of-altitude-sickness/

 

[kitedoc]

There has been conjecture that a change in atmospheric pressure such as with flying in a commercial airliner or climbing to a higher altitude might affect the amount of insulin infused by an insulin pump.
I cannot find the article I read some years ago, but the general conclusion was to check BSLs more frequently.

 

[english66]

Had a similar experience myself once.