Do any of these affect sugar readings?

[Steve 007]

Hi, in a prev post (2wks ago) I mentioned that I’ve had to go on a quick release insulin with every meal- it seemed to regulate/reduce the readings however over the past 5days what I’ve eaten hasn’t particularly changed but readings are around the 12-21 range. The only thing that has changed is I’ve had a cold and the aches so I’m wondering
Does a temperature affect readings?
Do cold symptoms affect readings?
Does taking medication like day & night nurse and lemsip affect readings?
Don’t want to hassle my diabetic team if it’s expected and I can ride it out for a few more days.
Thanks for any replies
Steve

 

[Juicyj]

Hello @Steve 007

Yes having a cold/illness does affect your readings, your body produces glucose in response to this so levels tend to run high as a result, you can do corrections if you know how much to take, otherwise call your diabetic nurse for some guidance, as a help here are sick day rules for insulin dependent diabetics:

https://dafne.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HG-01-002-v3-Sick-day-rules-Standard-1.pdf

 

[Oldvatr]

Lemsip has as ingredients: sucrose, saccharin, and aspartame. Night Nurse has added sugar in the form of pure glucose, with ethanol. Most cough remedies are high in sugar too.

 

[CJa]

I always need more insulin when I have an illnesses. I am also careful of what medicines I take, avoiding the ones with sugar.
I believed for many years believing the temperature changed my insulin requirements. I am not so sure any more. I think it was more likely due to the changes to my eating habits as the seasons change.
When I reduce my carb intake I obviously need to reduce my bolus amounts. When this carb reduction is maintained then I also need to reduce my basal. I believe that this is because my basal/bolus need to follow a ratio, within some kind of limitations. My basal/bolus ration is usually 50/50. For two days every week, I completely fast and my basal drops from around 12u to 7.5u on the second day of my fast. My blood glucose readings are great on this day. I did fast for five days in a row a few months ago and my basal reduced to 4.5u.