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Cold House 3.5 Blood Sugars , drinking less H2O

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clive555555

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi Forum, I'm Clive55555, diagnosed August 2017, type 2, Metformin 2X500mg , Gliclazide 1X80mg, self monitor 2XDaily, due to recent weight loss, water consumption has dropped from 3litres Daily to Less than 1litre Daily, the temperature of my house has dropped to 55%F, my last Two Blood Glucose Reading have been 3.5, and I been feeling tired and dizzy, have been drinking Hot Herbal Infusions to replace the water, but not sure if hot drinks substitute water?
In the house with gloves and woolly hat, sitting on an electric blanket, will the cold effect Blood Glucose Levels. Having my Bloods taken tomorrow (PSA) at Docs, wanna make sure I'm OK and get Home. Hope this makes sense ,temperature? and swapping H20 for hot drinks?
 
Water is still water even when you stick it in a kettle and heat it up Clive - people with chronic kidney disease get told to drink more water and that can include tea as long as it isn't too strong.

Why has your BG dropped to 3,5 though - unless you're like doing aerobics or something to try and keep a bit warmer? - or is whatever meds you have been put on, now too much since you've lost weight? - you need to ask your doc about that, but if only going for a routine or repeat PSA blood test of course you won't actually see a doctor - so it may be best to make another appointment whilst you are there?

It's a bit odd really cos normally when our metabolism speeds up - when we and the outside temperature are warmer - our bodies use insulin more efficiently- ie we need less. And have lower BG. But when we and the weather are cold - we need more insulin to have the same effect - ie our BG goes up.

Can you not afford more heating at home?
 
clive555555 said:
Hi Forum, I'm Clive55555, diagnosed August 2017, type 2, Metformin 2X500mg , Gliclazide 1X80mg, self monitor 2XDaily, due to recent weight loss, water consumption has dropped from 3litres Daily to Less than 1litre Daily, the temperature of my house has dropped to 55%F, my last Two Blood Glucose Reading have been 3.5, and I been feeling tired and dizzy, have been drinking Hot Herbal Infusions to replace the water, but not sure if hot drinks substitute water?
In the house with gloves and woolly hat, sitting on an electric blanket, will the cold effect Blood Glucose Levels. Having my Bloods taken tomorrow (PSA) at Docs, wanna make sure I'm OK and get Home. Hope this makes sense ,temperature? and swapping H20 for hot drinks?
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Hi @clive555555, 3.5 is hypo territory so I would have some quick acting carbs (jelly babies, coke, that sort of thing) to get your numbers up a little. The tired and dizzyness is probably because of your BG level. No reason a hot drink can't substitute water, especially if it's cold. Hope you feel better soon!
 
clive555555 said:
Hi Forum, I'm Clive55555, diagnosed August 2017, type 2, Metformin 2X500mg , Gliclazide 1X80mg, self monitor 2XDaily, due to recent weight loss, water consumption has dropped from 3litres Daily to Less than 1litre Daily, the temperature of my house has dropped to 55%F, my last Two Blood Glucose Reading have been 3.5, and I been feeling tired and dizzy, have been drinking Hot Herbal Infusions to replace the water, but not sure if hot drinks substitute water?
In the house with gloves and woolly hat, sitting on an electric blanket, will the cold effect Blood Glucose Levels. Having my Bloods taken tomorrow (PSA) at Docs, wanna make sure I'm OK and get Home. Hope this makes sense ,temperature? and swapping H20 for hot drinks?
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Hi Clive with temperature of 13°C (55F) I believe you are at risk of hypothermia😱and advise you to turn up the heating. Changes in temperatures can affect blood glucose levels and lead to false readings. Stay hydrated and keep warm Clive x
 
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HelloI Wirrallass , Srogladite and Trophy Wench I NEVER put the heating on, this is the first time feeling the cold, but I did hoover, as usual on a Monday morning, then I hung some washing out as usual Monday morning, caught a chill and then went on the exercise bike, got starving hungry, eat half a carrot then eat dry toast and tomatoes for an early lunch, began to feel better, but worried if it was going to happen again, but happy now , HOT Liquids = H20, and I have charged the battery on my heated Gilet, so that will keep me comfy. Waiting for an Electric Radiator to be delivered so I can keep one room warm, That Brain Fog is a nuisance when your blood glucose levels falter , when you live on your own, it's good to have contact with someone, cheers clive55555, Lets hope for honest weather forcasting.
 
Goodness your house is freeezing! My son's BG levels are definitely affected by cold temperatures, because his body is using glucose for energy to keep warm. Shivering (which is rapid muscle contractions) is a form of exercise, and again this causes BG to drop. He needed significantly less overnight insulin when camping in October.

Sounds like your meds doses may need reducing, best check with your GP.
 
‘Half a carrot and dry toast?’ 😱 Clive, you’re eating less than Rudolph! Get some proper food and try to keep warmer especially when you’re doing so much physical work 🙂
 
Hi Redkite, thanks for contact, I lived in the Welsh Mountains for years, I have a thermometer in every room, I only worry if the house drops below 47%F and it never drops below 47%F, when you have never lived with central heating you don't miss it, it feels healthy and fresh and more natural, but this is my first winter with Diabetes Medication, so I'm gonna be careful. Cheers clive55555
 
Hi Amigo I don't eat Dairy Product or Fats?? nothing new for me, but wondering what to do if I reach my Target Weight of 11stones, celebrate with some Seaweed Thins (LOL) cheers all the best clive55555
 
grovesy said:
If you are on Gliclacide that can cause a hypo.
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Hi Grovesy, Thanks for that, everything been running smooth until , I stopped drinking Litres of Water and the House felt cold, maybe it time for the Diabetes Nurse to catch up with me, have other problems just at the mo. Thanks for your help, cheers all the best clive55555
 
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