What are the rules?

Rules:
1. How do I submit a question?
I will only accept questions submitted to: nsf.cowper.blog@gmail.com
2. Will all questions be answered?
No. As a very busy physician, researcher, and father, I will do my best to answer as many questions as I can, and to indicate where the answers come from. As this is a blog, please be aware that it will contain opinions, some of which may be mine alone.
3. Will the questioner's name be included in the post?
No. It is best from the medical privacy standpoint to post the questions anonymously.
4. Will you modify or make up the questions?
I will modify questions to suit the style of the page. I will create my own questions when I feel the urge to blog, but have no suitable questions on deck.
5. Will the answers ever change?
If new information becomes available that outdates a previous post, I will do what I can (within the limits of the software) to clarify this situation. Scientists are open minded, yet skeptical. They are evidence driven. If the evidence leads in a particular direction, that lead will be followed. If new knowledge develops and withstands the rigor of serious investigation, the answers must change.
6. Can I share this site with others?
Please feel free to encourage anybody with an interest in NSF to join in. However, please note, all posts on this blog are copyrighted by me, and cannot be shared or reproduced outside of this webpage without my personal written consent.

Thanks,
Shawn E. Cowper, MD

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Does NSF make my blood sugar go up?

I have heard this question before, so thought I would quickly address it.
Blood sugar could go up because 1) too much sugar intake, 2) less absorption of sugar into cells, 3) less utilization of sugar.

NSF is almost always associated with kidney disease. Kidney disease is a common side effect of diabetes. Many people with NSF have diabetes, or a tendency toward it. So if sugars are going up, it is important to ascertain you do not have diabetes. Diabetes is caused by an inability of cells to take up sugar (glucose). This could be because the insulin necessary to make this happen is not present or not effective. Diabetics also have an impaired ability to make glycogen (see below).

Too much sugar intake? Your body is good at regulating sugar. When too much is present it will be made into glycogen and stored in the liver. Following meals, people ordinarily have an elevation of blood sugar, and depending when the reading (level) was obtained, this might be normal.

Less utilization of sugar: again, if you are not using it, sugar tends to be made into glycogen for later use.

Another effect worthy of discussion: some medications can cause your blood sugar to go up. Commonly used ones include corticosteroids (prednisone), beta-blockers (for hypertension), and thiazide diuretics.


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