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baths and hypos

T

the_anticarb

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A couple of times now I have had a bath in the evening and gone hypo despite eating only 1-2 hours previously.

I've heard that this can happen, is something to do with the blood vessels dilating.

Can anyone explain what actually goes on?

Do I need to actually take less insulin if I am having a bath that evening?

What happens when the blood vessels go back to normal, will the body then be short on insulin?

Thanks
 
Hi

In your situation I think the easiest thing for you to do is suck a couple of sweets when you get in the bath. Then you won't go hypo. If you reduce yr insulin before a bath and decide not to have one, then yr going to be in trouble with high bg levels so best leave insulin alone and just act on the moment as and when you decide to bath or not.
 
i too have had hypos in the bath, especially when waters very hot...it speeds up insulin, i certainly wouldnt inject less, i try not go in for 3hrs after my meal but if i do i just have a gluco tab and 9/10 times i dont hypo :D
 
The heat from the bath water or a shower will dilate blood vessels, which improves blood flow and helps the body use insulin better, that is why the use of hot tubs can be dangerous for people with Diabetes. It can also affect your blood pressure readings too, making it drop and perhaps feel light headed. It's a well documented effect that all Diabetic's but particularly those using hypo inducing medication need to be aware of. The temp of the water should not be too hot, however relaxing it might feel.

So long as you are aware of the effect and do the things that iHs and Totsy advised in the previous posts you should be able to cope with it.
 
Thank you for this thread.

Now I know what as been wrong with me :shock:

I have been having problems with baths and showers for ages.

Thank you/
 
Sorry to go a little off subject here, but how do i stand with using the sauna? I have really high BG levels most of the time, would spell in the sauna not help bring them down a little? I must admit i have used them in the past and actually felt quite good afterwards, but is it a real danger? Some people use a very cold plunge pool after getting out of the sauna, but I can't see that this would do my blood pressure any good. Can anyone advise?
 
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