A new report from Spain suggests that sweaty hands may interfere with glucose readings. For most of us, this may not be of much importance. But for those that have diabetes and excessive sweating of hands this finding may be of significant importance. Given that about 10% of the population is diabetic, a lot of people could be subject to this problem. If hyperhidrosis affects the diabetic population to the same degree it does the non-diabetic population, the number of individuals with palmar hyperhidrosis that test their glycemia on a regular basis is likely to be in the order of about half a million people (US and Canada). |
Upon re-evaluation, the medical staff noticed that this individual was testing with sweaty hands. The results were being 'diluted' so to speak. The sweat from her fingers was interfering and skewing values to the low side. So while she was under the impression that her diabetes was being well controlled, her condition was actually poorly regulated. The long-term consequences of poorly controlled diabetes can be devastating. |