Summer precautions for those with diabetes
- col-bobbie-randall
- July 7, 2023
- 547
Everyone knows someone dealing with diabetes or prediabetes. Around 11% of those who are 20 years or older have diabetes. For those 65 years or older, that figure rises to more than 25%, one in four.
When temperatures start to heat up and get out of control, so can blood sugar. Hot or cold weather extremes can affect testing equipment and diabetic medications, and they both have negative effects on your body’s ability to produce and use insulin.
There is usually a sharp rise in hospitalizations among people with diabetes when temperatures are either extremely high or low. Studies report deaths among people with diabetes tend to increase during the warmer months.
High temperatures mean a greater likelihood of dehydration. That’s an issue for everybody, but it has a distinct effect on people with diabetes. Even a slight case of dehydration can increase the higher concentrations of blood sugar because less blood flows through the kidneys. With less blood flow, the kidneys do not remove excess sugar from the blood. When it’s hot, drinking plenty of water or sugar-free drinks is vital.
High summer temps can affect diabetes medications, glucose meter and diabetes test strips. When it’s hot out, it’s easy for insulin and other drugs to become degraded. Be sure to store medications properly, out of the extreme heat. Never leave them in your car on a sweltering summer day.
When traveling, carry type 2 diabetes medicines in a cooler with an ice pack. Just be sure they’re not sitting directly on ice or the ice pack.
Exercise is an important part of diabetes management and blood-sugar control. The American Diabetes Association recommends getting 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Do not go outside to exercise during the hottest part of the day, which in general is around 3 p.m. Exercise first thing in the morning or once the sun goes down. Another option is to work out in an air-conditioned location.
Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, including sweating, light-headedness, shakiness and confusion, are the same as those of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. People often think it’s the heat and do not recognize blood-sugar levels have fallen to dangerous lows. A wise note to those friends and family without diabetes, be aware of the warning signs of low blood sugar. Encourage carbohydrate foods or drinks to raise blood sugar. Have a plan for a medical emergency.
When the weather is hot, blood-sugar levels may need to be checked more frequently so medications, activity and diet can be adjusted if necessary. Know the guidelines and the signs of hypo and hyperglycemia.
People with diabetes are susceptible to problems with their feet. In the summertime many may be tempted to go barefoot or wear open-toed sandals. This is not recommended. Pampering and protecting feet is the first step to avoid unhealing wounds and possible amputations. Going barefoot or wearing open-toed sandals can be dangerous to diabetic feet. Pay attention to friends and family. Don’t ignore injuries; get medical treatment right away.
Bobbie Randall is a certified diabetes care and education specialist and a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.