Can testing shortly after a warm bath effect results?

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PickledPepper

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Okay, I let go a bit over xmas and new year.....

Getting some strange readings....

Like readings that go up 1 point after fasting testing, despite not having eaten anything between the two tests. Yes, I'd expect some variance but not that much?

Was wondering if testing shortly after a nice, long warm soak can raise levels?
 
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cugila

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Yes. Heat will affect Bg levels, hence the reason why Diabetic's are often advised to use Sauna's and Hot Tub's with caution. Showers and Baths are no different. It usually goes down but many have found it can also rise. Me included.

It can also depend on what your fasting level was....if it was low then you might just have 'liver dumped' and the level was starting to rise anyway.

There are many things which will affect Bg readings .........it isn't all about food/drink.
 
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candyfloss

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cugila said:
Yes. Heat will affect Bg levels, hence the reason why Diabetic's are often advised to use Sauna's and Hot Tub's with caution. Showers and Baths are no different. It usually goes down but many have found it can also rise. Me included.

It can also depend on what your fasting level was....if it was low then you might just have 'liver dumped' and the level was starting to rise anyway.

There are many things which will affect Bg readings .........it isn't all about food/drink.
Click to expand...

Thats very interesting. Just over 2 years ago, before diagnosed as T2, I went to a hot spring. After 30 minutes I almost passed out and it took me a while to recover. At the time I thought the heat had affected my blood pressure but now it makes me think it probably affected blood sugar levels. But was it too high or too low? No way of telling.
 
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cugila

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Could have been either or both ???

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.
 
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totsy

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totally agree, if im due a meal and have a hot bath i tend to go higher and cant take a hot bath till after 2hrs of injecting else i hypo in the bath :D
 
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Cowboyjim

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DM and hot baths

Happy New Year everyone!

Sorry if this question has been asked before but... why do they post a sign at Center Parcs jacussis recommending that you should not go in if you have DM? Is this just covering their a's?
Didn't seem to bother me...

Thanks! 8)
 
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cugila

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Re: DM and hot baths

Cowboyjim said:
Happy New Year everyone!

Sorry if this question has been asked before but... why do they post a sign at Center Parcs jacussis recommending that you should not go in if you have DM? Is this just covering their a's?
Didn't seem to bother me...

Thanks! 8)
Click to expand...

Jim.
The answers are in this thread, basically it can be very dangerous to some Diabetic's if they are not aware of the problem. The warning is for a good reason....... :(

Happy New Year to you too. :)
 
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Cowboyjim

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Thanks Cugila...
The reason I ask is that I recently me someone who has a hot tub at home and is DM... just could not remember the reason...
Cheers! 8)
 
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cugila

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Another reason is that your feet are also at risk, especially if you have a cut. Any bacteria in the tubs can quickly find it's way in........

Been in one myself but made sure the water was at a suitable temperature, and there was no cuts/scratches on my feet. Just be careful, that's all.
 
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Cowboyjim

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Just read the earlier posts.

Fascinating.

Another case of keep that meter handy!

So the danger is one of hypo's.

Somehow I thought it was going to push the old Bg up.

Looking at it alternatively could if correctly monitored this be used to get your Bg down then?
[He suggested hopefully]
Presumably other activities that dilate blood vessels - drinking alcohol or exercise - have a similar effect? 8)
 
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cugila

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Most of what you say is right Jim, however some of us also go higher after a warm bath or shower. So, it isn't quite so simple. Confusing, I know. We all react differently.

I don't think I would rely on this effect to sort out errant Bg levels though......nice try. :lol:
 
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Cowboyjim

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If it works for you then maybe worth a go. With periodic monitoring of course because for all we know your body might suddenly switch over... 8)
 
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