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The Question
02/06/10 11:24 AM

"Are my hot flashes "cooking" the insulin in my pump?"
Asked By: scarletthepworth  
Category: Insulin

Background Info Hide
I've been experiencing hot flashes for about 8 months now, and there has been a concomitant rise in my blood sugars, sometimes alarmingly so, with no explanation. My doctor and I have been trying to adjust my basal rates and carb to insulin ratios, but there still seems to be these unexplainable highs, especially when I wake up in the morning. Is is possible my hot flashes (and they are HOT) are cooking the insulin in the tubing from the pump, or in the pump itself? Would I be better off going back on shots for a few months or years?

Expert Answers (1)

02/13/10 11:31 AM

Dear Scarlett- Thank-you for contacting dLIfe. It is not your hot flashes that are having an effect on the insulin or pump. Your pump is a fairly good protector of the insulin and the reservoir is also a protector. Insulin does change and loose effectiveness in Extreme temperatures or if it is used past its date after opening.

Having said the above, yes your hot flashes do have an effect on your glucose. There are a great deal of factors that contribute to hot flashes and the results is dilation of the circulation to cool the body. We feel warm but with the sweating there is actually an attempt to cool down the body. So there is a shunting or a shift in the blood flow. There are also stress hormones, cortisol released during these periods of flashes. All have an effect on glucose.

If you are concerned about your pump, place it in a pouch you can sew into your PJs, or purchase one from many of the pump supply sites on line for pump accessories.

Keep in mind that as we age the progression of the disease may increase insulin needs. Insulin demands are fluid and we must be flexible. This is the beauty of the pump. and the variety of options for programing different levels of basal throughout the 24 hour period. While the demands are usually lower at night in times of internal stressors there will be an increase.

I would contact your local pump rep and CDE to help you with putting you on a CGM for a few days, looking at your spikes in glucose and adjusting your basal rates for those times if they are consistent.

Stay well and stay self managed. It sounds like you are doing a great job.

Answered By: Janet HowardDucsay
Accreditations: RN BSN CDE
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Community Answers (2)

02/19/10 01:21 PM

Hi, I am on the younger side (36) but just went through a super-accelerated menopause (also T1 and have Graves disease). I did a TON of reading on menopause and talked to several endos and gyns. Your hormones are to blame for your insulin-need changes. Insulin sensitivity is very dependent on our hormones, especially estrogen. I think if you can afford it, the CGMS is a great idea. You could also consider HRT to try to keep things a little more balanced until you're through with menopause.
Answered By: kalimared
FLAG
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02/19/10 11:14 AM

Thank you for this information. I am glad Scarlett asked this question. I am a 6 year pumper and have had Type 1 for 40+years. In the past year I am seeing a difference in what I can count on, blood sugar wise. I check and recheck carb counting when I get inexplicable highs. At age 51, menopause might be part of the explanation. Hormones are in flux. Unfortunately, CGM is not in my budget. Insurance has a 10k deductible. By the way if your pump has the glucose meter attached (Cozmo/Freestyle combo is the one I use), the meter part is NOT waterproof. I have ruined 2 attached glucose meters wearing the combo in my bra as I exercise in Georgia warmth! Moisture gets into the meter as you sweat. Thanks for all of the info I receive with dlife! Kathy
Answered By: katheekay
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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