Blood sugar levels

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trpitt
Participant

October 19, 2010 at 4:57 am

Post count: 2

#1968

Hi
My name is Tiffany and I have been practicing Bikram hot yoga for a month now.
I go four times a week and I love it.
I am a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic. I am on an insulin pump and have very good regualr blood sugars. I have noticed though when I go into class I have a normal reading but after class I have spiked up a lot. The other day I was 5.6 (which is perfect and also in the Canadian reading) after class I was 18. Which is high for me.
Two hours after class I am back to normal and my blood sugars are fine the rest of the day. I don’t really understand why my blood sugars keep spiking like that. I don’t want to have to give up Bikram. 🙁
Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Namaste
Tiffany

bunni
Participant

October 21, 2010 at 1:41 am

Post count: 60

#7891

The most important thing to do is to mention this to your doctor because only s/he knows your individual physiology and can advise you on the safest course to follow. Having said that, a quick google search showed that it is not uncommon for diabetics to have slightly increased blood sugar levels after exercise. So my guess is that if you talk to your doctor s/he won’t necessarily advise you to stop taking yoga, but might be able to give you recommendations for a safer practice.

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

October 21, 2010 at 1:52 am

Post count: 3048

#7892

Hi Tiffany

Thanks for your input bunni!

Just as an aside I wanted to ask you something:

I was just wondering whether you had ever seen the video called SIMPLY RAW: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days. Borrow it from your library or get it from Amazon and check it out. I do know there are snippets and trailers on YouTube.

If you haven’t come across it before it may be a useful perspective.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

trpitt
Participant

October 21, 2010 at 2:38 pm

Post count: 2

#7897

Thanks for the tips.
I have seen Simply Raw. It’s all about type 2 diabetes. I have type 1 which means I developed it as a young child, mine isn’t food related. My pancreas just doesn’t work. Type 2 is due to not eating properly and not taking care of yourself. The pancreas still works, it just slower.
Thanks again:)
Tiffany

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

October 21, 2010 at 2:46 pm

Post count: 3048

#7898

Ah Tiffany

In my tired stupor I just missed that not so fine detail! That makes a difference! And now that’s it almost 11pm here I shall aim to tackle your issue tomorrow!

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

fraseram
Participant

October 23, 2010 at 3:50 pm

Post count: 356

#7902

yes I too know that when I take a class (or do any intense workout) my levels spike up
My doc has told me this is a normal reaction and we discussed how to handle it
I would just talk it over

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

October 25, 2010 at 3:50 am

Post count: 3048

#7904

Hi Tiffany

Amy is right, please talk that over with your specialist. In the meantime I wonder if you have tried practice with different conditions. What for example happens if you do the series at 80 degrees F or 30C perhaps? What would happen if you just did a 60 minute class with one set only in full heat? Or a double set class but with selected poses for only 60 mins?

There has got to be an answer for you where you can find a level of intensity or ambient conditions that keep you safe.

It may take some looking into. What do you think? We can get all caught up in the 90 min class being the only way… Worth an investigation?

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
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