Managing Diabetes in the Summer Heat
Author: MT Departmen Public Health and Human Services
Managing Diabetes in the Summer Heat
MT Department Public Health and Human Services
If you have diabetes, you may have noticed that it can be harder to manage diabetes in the heat of summer. Extreme heat can affect blood sugar control, including worsening blood glucose levels and even low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). How the heat affects a person depends on their current blood sugar control, whether and what they’ve eaten, if they’re hydrated, and their activity level.
If activity and heat make you sweat a lot, you could become dehydrated leading to a rise in blood glucose levels. This can make you urinate frequently and can lead to further dehydration and even higher blood sugars. It can be a vicious cycle.
If someone has diabetes complications that include damage to the nerves to the sweat glands, they could sweat less and overheat, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Heat can also damage medications and blood sugar checking supplies. Exposing insulin to high temperatures can degrade it, making it ineffective. The same goes for monitoring devices and test strips.
But don’t let the heat keep you indoors. Here are some basic tips to share with patients and others for managing diabetes in the summer heat:
Avoid becoming dehydrated. Drink lots of water.
Adjust your insulin as needed. Talk to your provider or diabetes care and education specialist about how to be physically active in the summer.
Check your blood sugar frequently.
Keep items to treat low blood sugars with you at all times.
Carry snacks.
Protect your medication and supplies from the heat. Never leave them in the direct sun or in a hot vehicle.
Protect your feet. Don’t go barefoot, even at the pool or at the beach. Closed-toe shoes are best.
Please reach out to Marci Butcher at mbutcher@midrivers.com for help, support, or questions on Diabetes Education.
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PhotoCredit: MT Departmen Public Health and Human Services
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