
Does blood sugar increase after taking a shower?
Grandma is in the hospital and wants to take a shower. Could you please tell me if her blood sugar level will rise after showering?

Whether blood sugar levels rise after taking a shower depends on the specific circumstances.
Generally, during the process of showering, the body consumes heat energy, and with normal food intake usually maintained, blood sugar levels do not fluctuate significantly. However, for individuals with high blood sugar or diabetes, if the water temperature is too high during the shower, it may accelerate blood circulation, thereby increasing the absorption rate of insulin and temporarily causing elevated blood sugar levels. If the individual experiences stress, anxiety, or fright during the shower, the body may enter a state of stress response, during which levels of hormones such as cortisol and norepinephrine may rise, potentially promoting the breakdown of liver glycogen and resulting in elevated blood sugar. In addition, prolonged showering or consuming high-sugar foods before or after showering may also affect blood sugar levels.
Therefore, for individuals with diabetes or abnormal blood sugar levels, it is recommended to monitor blood sugar levels before and after showering, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid excessively hot water and extended shower durations. If elevated blood sugar occurs, timely measures should be taken to adjust, such as drinking more water to dilute blood sugar concentration or using blood sugar-lowering medications under a doctor's guidance.