Hot weather and BG

[Jennyninja]

I understand that hot weather affects BG levels including lowering it because of more insulin sensitivity. However I wasn't expecting such a difference. I usually match carbs with insulin. I lowered the insulin slightly based on test results. However, I've found I'm also needing to take on a bit more additional carbs. I've been fairly active swimming and a bit of slow running but as a relative newbie have found this a bit of a surprise. Anyone else with similar experiences ?

 

[rebrascora]

Have you adjusted your basal insulin as that is usually the main insulin that needs adjustment in hot weather rather than bolus insulin. Exercise also affects basal needs (usually reducing it).
Many people find that they need to reduce their basal insulin through the summer months and then put it back up in the cooler autumn/winter time. Getting your basal insulin dose(s) correct makes all the difference in the world.

 

[Jennyninja]

Have you adjusted your basal insulin as that is usually the main insulin that needs adjustment in hot weather rather than bolus insulin. Exercise also affects basal needs (usually reducing it).
Many people find that they need to reduce their basal insulin through the summer months and then put it back up in the cooler autumn/winter time. Getting your basal insulin dose(s) correct makes all the difference in the world.

Thanks @rebrascora . I've not done anything with the basal. I'll give that a try.

 

[helli]

Thanks @rebrascora . I've not done anything with the basal. I'll give that a try.

Depending on what long lasting insulin you use, the affect may take some time to show.
The joy of Tresiba is that it has a long flat profile. The annoyance is the long flat profile which means it can take 3 or 4 days for a change to be noticeable.
Levemir, on the other hand take a change within 12 hours.

And, if you are using a pump, a basal change can happen within an hour.

 

[rosalindb]

As a type 2 I have found I am hypoing due to the heat. A good excuse to indulge sweet tooth lol.

 

[Jennyninja]

Depending on what long lasting insulin you use, the affect may take some time to show.
The joy of Tresiba is that it has a long flat profile. The annoyance is the long flat profile which means it can take 3 or 4 days for a change to be noticeable.
Levemir, on the other hand take a change within 12 hours.

And, if you are using a pump, a basal change can happen within an hour.

Thanks @helli. I'm on Lantus so we'll see how things go

 

[Jennyninja]

Thanks @rebrascora . I've not done anything with the basal. I'll give that a try.

Have you adjusted your basal insulin as that is usually the main insulin that needs adjustment in hot weather rather than bolus insulin. Exercise also affects basal needs (usually reducing it).
Many people find that they need to reduce their basal insulin through the summer months and then put it back up in the cooler autumn/winter time. Getting your basal insulin dose(s) correct makes all the difference in the world.

Hi @rebrascora , I just wanted to let you know that I reduced my Lantus by 1 unit last night and had a much more stable day today. I know with diabetes nothing is completely predictable and my BGs could be doing something different again tomorrow. However I wanted to thank you for the suggestion. I have a great diabetes specialist nurse but I don't feel I can trouble her with everything that crops up. That's why I think this forum where those with more experience can make some helpful suggestions. Thank you once again.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Great news @Jennyninja 🙂

Hope this newly tweaked dose works for a good few weeks 🙂