title: Sauna-induced acceleration in insulin absorption from subcutaneous injection site.
abstract: The effect of the Finnish sauna on insulin absorption from a subcutaneous injection site was examined in eight insulin-dependent diabetic patients by measuring externally the disappearance rate of 125I-labelled rapid-acting insulin. The sauna (twice for 25 minutes at 85 degrees C) accelerated insulin absorption by 110% as compared with room temperature (p < 0.01). After the sauna blood glucose concentrations were 3.0-3.3 mmol/1 (54.1-59.5 mg/100 ml) lower than on the control day (p < 0.05). The fall in blood glucose values was proportional to the increased rate of insulin absorption (r = 0.30; p < 0.01). The hypoglycaemic effect of a sauna in insulin-treated diabetics is clearly at least partly due to enhanced insulin absorption from the injection site. Such an effect might be prevented by taking a snack or reducing the insulin dose.
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism; D005215:Fasting; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029002:Steam Bath
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin