Can hormones affect glucose levels in type 1 diabetes?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 27-year-old woman who has been living with type 1 diabetes since childhood. My HbA1c was 8.4 % last month, despite using an Insulin pump and regularly checking my glucose levels.
I have noticed frequent hypoglycemia after workouts and experience fatigue during my menstrual periods. My endocrinologist suggested adjusting my basal rates, but I am unsure how to manage that safely. Could my hormonal fluctuations be significantly affecting my glucose levels?
Please guide
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concerns.
I completely understand how exhausting and concerning it can be to manage type 1 diabetes, especially when your efforts with an insulin pump and regular monitoring still lead to struggles with high and low blood sugar levels, along with fatigue.
Hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle can significantly impact your blood glucose levels. In the days leading up to your period, increased levels of progesterone and estrogen can make your body more resistant to insulin, often resulting in higher glucose readings.
Conversely, right after your period, insulin sensitivity may improve, which can sometimes increase the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly during or after exercise.
Adjusting your basal insulin rates around your cycle, as your endocrinologist suggested, can be beneficial, but it must be done carefully to avoid dangerous highs or lows.
Keeping a detailed log of your glucose patterns, exercise, meals, and menstrual cycle can provide valuable insights for customizing your insulin delivery. Fatigue is also a common symptom linked to fluctuating glucose levels and menstrual changes.
By working closely with your diabetes care team, you can fine-tune your pump settings, possibly using temporary basal adjustments on workout days or during different phases of your cycle. This approach can make a significant difference and help you feel more in control.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I would be happy to guide you. Please keep your valuable feedback for better patient care.
Thank you so much.
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