The Heat
Ok experts, got a question and/or observation:
Does the heat effect anyone’s blood sugars? I’m sure it’s having an
effect on Madelyn.
The last week or so the Northeast is experiencing heat, that we don’t
usually see until August. It’s over 90 degrees today, and we live a
block from the beach, so the heat is on. Maddie is having lows all
over the place. I have upped her carbs and cut her insulin, and she’s
still running in the 40’s at times.
Of course I asked the school nurse and she said there is no correlation
at all. I said, “I’ll go to the experts”
Thanks,
Stephanie
December 11th, 2006 at 2:02 pm
Stephanie!
You are a wise one! Is your school nurse really a nurse, or a clinician? I think I asked before, but I cannot remember the answer. We, here in Kentucky, have clinicians, who are NOT nurses.
I feel the heat has an effect, but I am not sure what it is.. One theory would be the blood vessels dilate (allowing heat to get nearer the surface of the skin), causing fluid to be pulled into the blood vessels to compensate for the lower pressure. In so doing, the blood glucose would be diluted somewhat. But, there would also be signs of hypokalemia and hypocalcemia (low potassium and calcium, which causes tremors and tingling in the fingertips.) Hm. Now you have me curious, so it is off to the web to find out more.
: )
Joan
December 13th, 2006 at 2:22 am
Nice to hear from you, Jack!
Let’s see. I think part of it is the metabolism, but, as I stated earlier, if the body dilates the vessels, it pulls fluid (water) from the interstitial spaces (between the tissue cells) to increase the volume of the blood. In so doing, the potassium and calcium go down due to the dilution (additional water in the blood). There is not more of it, just more fluid for it to float in. Hypokalemia (low potassium)… we learned “potassium does the SAME as its prefix EXCEPT heart rate and urine output. So, if the vessels dilate, the fluid moves in, there is less proportional potassium, and more urinary output. This tends to put the numbers lower for our BG since the sugar is floating in more water, too, in the blood. The body is trying to keep that fluid in the bloodstream, so it will not release solids such as glucose or protein (albumin) into the tissue spaces or the tissure cells themselves, since those solids ATTRACT water. (see hydrostatic pressure) So, the blood
sugar is dilutionally low and the sugar is not going into the cells. End product is ’shockiness’ and those wonderful symptoms. And, if the potassium is low, then the heart rate should be quick, which we see in shockiness anyway. It’s amazing how it is all tied together.
Thanks for listening, and I will look into the metabolism part, as well. Curious as all get out, now. : )
Joan