Everyday

Sauna

The sauna is a normal part of life in Finland, and you can take part with diabetes. The heat does affect blood sugar and devices, so a few things are worth keeping in mind.

How the sauna affects blood sugar

Heat widens the blood vessels and speeds up insulin absorption from under the skin. That means blood sugar can drop faster than usual. The reaction is individual: in some people it falls clearly, in others a little.

Source: Diabetesliitto · Terveyskylä

Before going to the sauna

Measure blood sugar before the sauna
Under 6 mmol/l → have a snack first
Over 15 mmol/l → you can still take the sauna, but watch how the child feels
Keep fast-acting carbs ready just outside the sauna
Do not go alone if blood sugar is unstable

Source: Diabetesliitto · Terveyskylä

Pump and sauna

Pump off for the sauna

Heat can damage the insulin in the pump reservoir and the device itself. Detach the pump before the sauna. While disconnected, the pump does not deliver basal insulin — the shorter the break, the better. Maximum 2 hours.

Source: Diabetesliitto

Sensor and sauna

Sweat and moisture can loosen the sensor's fixing — add extra tape before the sauna
High temperatures can briefly distort the sensor's value
If the value seems off after the sauna, confirm from the fingertip before a care decision

Source: Terveyskylä

After the sauna

Blood sugar can drop even after the sauna, especially if you have been in for a long time or for several rounds. Re-measure half an hour later and have a snack if needed.

Source: Diabetesliitto · Terveyskylä

Sources: diabetes.fi (Diabetesliitto, the Finnish Diabetes Association) and terveyskyla.fi (Diabetestalo / Lastentalo). This app does not replace the individual instructions you receive from your clinic. Insulin doses, correction factors and sick-day rules are always agreed with your own care team.

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