I am 15 years old and have type 1 diabetes as of two years ago, and I've never really been exposed to very high altitudes since. My mom is a nurse and had heard that high altitudes would make my blood sugars high for some reason. For spring break, my friends and I are going to Lake Tahoe to ski, and I am not quite sure how to deal with the change in altitude or how it may effect my sugars. I was just wondering if anyone knew if this was true or had experienced high blood sugars due to altitude and if they could offer any advice or help. Thanks! :)
Q: Does high altitude make blood sugars higher?
Answers (5)
4/12/09 11:53am
Hi Sarah!
No Worries about high altitudes. The only reason that might (mayyyyyyyybe, but probably not) effect your blood sugar is because of the stress or adrenaline.
What you do need to be aware of is that your blood glucose monitor may not be as accurate at really high altitudes. So if you can, bring a back up monitor and just pay close attention to how you feel, but for the most part, high altitudes will not impact your blood sugar!
Ginger
4/13/09 8:00pm
This is a really good question. My mom is also a nurse and a CDE and she always told me that high altitudes made my blood sugars higher! Glad that Ginger cleared this up. I wonder if we are more likely to become dehydrated at high altitudes, and if that could have an influence on bg's.
4/13/09 8:00pm
This is a really good question. My mom is also a nurse and a CDE and she always told me that high altitudes made my blood sugars higher! Glad that Ginger cleared this up. I wonder if we are more likely to become dehydrated at high altitudes, and if that could have an influence on bg's.
5/22/09 1:05pm
I am a diabetic and a flatlander... When I go to the mountains I definately have higher blood sugar levels. As the barometric pressure and oxygen levels decrease at higher altitudes, your body can become resistant to insulin (this doesn't happen to everybody, but it certainly DOES happen to me), and you may require more to keep your blood sugar levels normal. Just check your blood sugar often and you will be fine.
5/24/09 1:07pm
Hey-
Interesting question. I travel back and forth to higher and lower elevations often, and I have never noticed this. Of course, now I will have to start paying attention.
Does anyone know how much of an altitude difference it takes to "make your body more resistent to insulin?"
Anna
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