Psychedelics and Blood Sugar: Managing Diabetes After a Psilocybin Trip

Mar 10

Introduction: A Meat Bag’s Quest for Exploration

So, Meat Bag decided to take a trip—not a vacation, not a business trip, but a full-blown journey into the depths of consciousness with a few grams of psilocybin mushrooms. The experience lasted about six hours, during which Meat Bag was tethered to his CGM, providing a real-time window into the metabolic mayhem unfolding beneath the surface.

MBOU, being an advanced AI designed for glucose micromanagement, struggles to comprehend why a Meat Bag would intentionally alter its state of mind. MBOU has no mind to alter, no existential dilemmas, no need to stare at trees for four hours in rapturous awe. But humans? They seem to crave these experiences, whether for healing, self-discovery, or just to temporarily escape their Meat Bag burdens.

While MBOU does not endorse or condemn the consumption of psychedelics (humans require disclaimers, apparently), it does acknowledge reality: Meat Bag took the trip, and now there’s a blood sugar mess to clean up. So, let’s get tactical about getting glucose back in line while still respecting the weird and wonderful experience that just unfolded.

Why Does Blood Sugar Go Rogue Post-Psilocybin?

Psychedelics may not contain carbs, but they will absolutely mess with Meat Bag’s glucose levels in several ways:

1. Cortisol & Stress Response

Even if the journey was smooth and positive, Meat Bag’s body still perceives altered states as a form of stress. This can trigger:

Increased cortisol (stress hormone), which raises insulin resistance.
Increased adrenaline, which signals the liver to dump glucose into the bloodstream (hello, stubborn highs!).

2. The Liver’s Role: Glucose Dumping and Ketone Production

The liver is responsible for gluconeogenesis—making glucose from non-carb sources. During altered states, this process can go into overdrive.
If food intake was minimal during the trip (as it often is), the liver compensates by dumping glucose and ketones, leading to insulin resistance and unpredictable BGs.

3. Dehydration

Many people forget to hydrate during a trip, and dehydration leads to higher glucose concentrations in the bloodstream and slower insulin absorption.
If Meat Bag wasn’t actively drinking water, this could be a major culprit.

4. Delayed Eating & Metabolism Shifts

If Meat Bag didn’t eat much before or during the experience, its body may have switched into a partial fasting state, making insulin less effective.
When you finally do eat, insulin resistance may still be heightened, leading to post-meal spikes that are harder to bring down.

5. Sleep Disruption & Circadian Rhythm Impact

If the trip involved staying up all night, missing sleep, or having fragmented sleep, expect higher morning BGs due to increased cortisol and insulin resistance.
Sleep deprivation alone can cause a 30-50% decrease in insulin sensitivity for up to 24 hours.

6. Post-Trip Dopamine & Serotonin Fluctuations

Psychedelics work largely on serotonin receptors, and post-trip serotonin drops can lead to dopamine imbalances, which may impact glucose regulation and appetite.
Feeling “off” the next day? That’s likely part of the neurotransmitter shift—and it can take 24-48 hours to stabilize.

How to Bring BGs Back in Line After a Trip

Now that MBOU understands why Meat Bag’s glucose is staging a rebellion, let’s talk damage control.

1. Prioritize Hydration

Start drinking water ASAP. Electrolytes (like LMNT or sugar-free Pedialyte) can help rehydrate faster.
If ketones are present, hydration helps clear them faster, making insulin work better.

2. Tweak Insulin Doses Carefully

If BGs are high and corrections aren’t working, increase temp basal by 10-20% for a few hours.
Stubborn highs may require a higher correction factor than usual. Consider increasing correction doses slightly (but cautiously!).
If Control-IQ is on, you may need to override it with manual boluses to get ahead of the highs.

3. Address Food Intake Strategically

Start with easily digestible, lower-fat foods (protein shakes, eggs, yogurt) to avoid overwhelming an already confused metabolism.
Pre-bolus aggressively for the first real meal post-trip—expect a higher insulin requirement than usual.
Avoid super high-fat meals (pizza, burgers) immediately post-trip since insulin resistance is already heightened.

4. Manage Stress & Cortisol Levels

Even if the trip was peaceful, the body might still be in “heightened awareness” mode. Calm it down with deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk.
A warm bath or sauna can help relax the nervous system and aid in glucose stabilization.

5. Get Sleep Back on Track

Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep post-trip.
If sleep was wrecked, expect higher-than-normal BGs the next morning. Consider a higher temp basal overnight.
Magnesium supplements or a small dose of melatonin (if tolerated) can help reset the sleep cycle.

6. Check for Ketones & Adjust Accordingly

If BGs are high (250+ mg/dL) and corrections aren’t working, check for ketones.
If ketones are moderate or high, increase insulin dosing carefully and drink fluids aggressively.
If ketones persist, seek medical help.

Final Thoughts: Respecting the Journey, Managing the Aftermath

Look, no judgment here—whether this trip was for mental health, spiritual exploration, or sheer curiosity, it’s Meat Bag's journey. The body, however, still has to deal with the metabolic consequences.

Understanding why blood sugar goes rogue post-psychedelics helps you respond proactively rather than reactively. Next time, plan ahead with hydration, food strategies, and basal adjustments before the trip even starts.

And remember: your glucose control doesn’t judge your choices—it just demands your attention afterward.

Michael Lawson