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Plummeting BS values - Weather related??

C

Colin Crowhurst

Well-Known Member
Messages
121
Location
Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I am finding that my BS values have dropped by nearly 10% pushing me into two very low readings. As this is also generally acress the board for the last week without any other major changes in diet/sleep/working patterns I am wondering if it is possible that my already low insulin level ( novomix30 8u twice per day is now too high? Could the sudden increase in temperature here be a factor? What about my body "suddenly" increasing insulin output?? Last two HB results have both been 52 so I am in the "well controlled " category. It is nice to suddenly be able to gorge on some extra treats, ut what does this mean long term?

All thoughts greatly appreciated!
 
Hi Colin, yes sadly the rising heat will have an effect on your BG levels, the heat opens up the capillaries which affects our insulin absorption, I take more care when it get's warmer and try to run slightly higher so I have more of a buffer against lows, it will right itself once the temp drops again.
 
@ Colin Crowhurst,

Yes, sir, the heat can be a very big contributing factor. Heat potentiates the effects of insulin. i.e. it makes it work more efficiently. (You MAY experience the same effect after a hot bath or shower.)

It WOULD be worth you consulting with your diabetes support team (Doctor/Endocrinologist/Diabetes Specialist Nurse/Certified Diabetes Educator) to let them know what's happening.

The short-term effects are far more relevant if you're having severe low blood glucose levels, sir, as this could lead to unconsciousness and/or God/dess forbid, hospital admission and possibly death.

In the long-term, if you're repeatedly having low blood glucose levels, this could lead to your body adapting to what it considers is 'normal' for you, and MAY lead to you developing hypoglycaemia unawareness. (This can often be 'put right' by running your blood glucose levels at a higher level for a short time, but you need to do this under the supervision of your diabetes support team.)
 
ok, well i am not panicking at all Three "lows" in two weeks via Libre doesnt worry me when I receive an alert!
Just surprised as i didnt notice it last year (even hotter then!) but perhaps it was beacuse i wasnt then on Libre,,,,,,

Many thanks for the feedback though!
 
I've been going low all the time in the last few days. I guess the weather is likely to be playing a part. I will try and be more conservative while it stays like this.
 
Colin Crowhurst said:
I am finding that my BS values have dropped by nearly 10% pushing me into two very low readings. As this is also generally acress the board for the last week without any other major changes in diet/sleep/working patterns I am wondering if it is possible that my already low insulin level ( novomix30 8u twice per day is now too high? Could the sudden increase in temperature here be a factor? What about my body "suddenly" increasing insulin output?? Last two HB results have both been 52 so I am in the "well controlled " category. It is nice to suddenly be able to gorge on some extra treats, ut what does this mean long term?

All thoughts greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
I have been diabetic for almost fifty years now and always find that my bl sugar drops faster when it is hotter weather. As others have explained, the subcutaneous capillaries dilate and this increases the rate of insulin absorption. I always find that the best course of action is to slightly reduce my dosage in the summer months so my winter dosage of sixteen units of Lantus drops to fourteen in the summer. Fifteen units normally in spring and autumn if the weather is mild. This works well for me but everybody is different so it might not work as well for others. The only thing that can be done is a bit of careful trial and error to see the best course of action. Increasing the food intake is not necessarily a good way to go as it can lead to weight gain which I find hinders good control. Also I find that higher carbohydrate intake leads to more violent swings in sugar levels anyway which is not good for long term health or even feeling well in the short term. I wish you good luck with working out your best way forward with this.
 
Don't panic!
I've also had this for over 50 years. The trouble with me is that in the heat, it starts swinging between too high and too low throughout the day. My BG is usually well controlled but in this weather it's like a Newton's Cradle with one of the strings cut! You just have to ride with it and check your sugar more regularly. Works for me.
 
Totally agree mine chain may and it keeps going low due to the heat, same problem last year
 
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