Abnormal glucose.

[Snowgirl65]

I was in the ER Sunday night into Monday with an unusually violent a-fib episode. I can usually ride them out, but this one was different and it dropped my BP dangerously low. Downloading test results after the event, I saw that my glucose was high at 146. I know nothing about glucose as I never had a problem with it. Does being in a-fib cause such a high level? I'd appreciate any thoughts or experiences on this.

[FraserB]

I'm sorry to hear you had a difficult experience. There could be a few things going on, so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly, but you mentioned having a violent atrial AF episode, which can be very stressful. It may be related to adrenaline, as stress can cause a temporary increase in blood sugar. It did for me when I went to emerg with rapid flutter for hours. But also dangerously low blood pressure is concerning and may temporarily disrupt metabolism. Did the doctors mention anything about this?

[Snowgirl65 in reply to FraserB]

Thanks for responding, FraserB. No, the doctors didn't mention this at all. It wasn't until I printed out my test results from my hospital account that I saw the numbers highlighted. Your thoughts make sense, as my adrenaline was surely high at the time. Your experience with rapid flutter must certainly have been alarming -- so it seems high glucose "comes with the package."

[Leechg]

Hi, when I was in A and E with an Afib attack, ten years ago, they said my blood sugar was too high at 11.1. Which is in the diabetic range. I had a HBA1C test with my GP and it came back as normal but on the high side of normal. Since then at my annual test I have crept into pre diabetic range after I started a statin. My family are riddled with diabetes so it is in the genes but I am hoping to hold it off for a few more years. I do think that panicking can raise your blood sugar but have found little evidence to support this.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to Leechg]

Thanks, Leechg. I do think a rise in adrenaline could have been the culprit at the time.

[Auriculaire]

An afib episode always puts my fasting blood sugar up into the diabetic range. It's usually normal or just edging into pre diabetic. I try to avoid going for a blood test if in afib.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to Auriculaire]

Thanks -- wise idea.