How Diabetes Patients Can Manage Their Symptoms In Hot Weather

The summer months bring plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warm weather, from sunny walks to picnics and outdoor sports. For diabetes patients, however, rising temperatures can bring a number of health challenges and concerns. Managing blood sugar levels during hot weather requires additional care, as the body’s natural ability to regulate itself can be affected. So, whether you are chilling out at the poolside, sweating it out in the office, or gearing up for the next heatwave, taking the right precautions is the key to staying healthy and safe in the summer.

In this article, we offer a few practical tips to help you or your customers manage diabetes symptoms during hot weather.

 

How Hot Weather Impacts Diabetes

1. Dehydration risk: With high temperatures comes increased sweating, exacerbating fluid loss. For people with diabetes, this increases the risk of dehydration, which can impact their blood sugar levels, sometimes causing them to rise or fall unpredictably. Dehydration also increases the risk of serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome, or HHS.
2. Insulin absorption: Heat can also speed up the absorption of insulin, which can create a higher risk of hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar.
3. Disruptions to medication: Finally, extreme heat can damage insulin and other diabetes medications, reducing their effectiveness.

What Can People Do To Manage Diabetes Symptoms In Hot Weather?

1. Keep hydrated: The first and most important step to stay healthy in the summer is to keep hydrated. We recommend that diabetes patients carry a water bottle when out and about, as having easy access to water helps maintain consistent hydration. Many people also find it helpful to limit their consumption of fizzy drinks and alcohol during extremely hot weather, as these can worsen dehydration.
2. Monitor blood sugar levels: As hot weather can cause the body’s blood sugar levels to fluctuate unpredictably, more frequent monitoring is important. Check your blood sugar levels more often than usual if the weather is hot, especially before and after outdoor activities. This can make you aware of potential fluctuations before they make you unwell. Keep fast acting glucose sources, such as a bottle of fruit juice or sweets on hand to address any sudden dips in blood sugar.
3. Store your medical devices and insulin correctly: The heat can damage your blood glucose meters, test strips, and insulin, impacting the accuracy of their results and reducing the efficacy of medicine. It’s important to store insulin below 25°C, using a cool bag or insulin wallet to protect it while you’re out. Avoid leaving your insulin in a hot car or exposing it to direct sunlight. Many people are also unaware that glucose monitors and test strips should be kept at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight. These items should not be refrigerated.
4. Take precautions while outdoors: There’s no reason why diabetes patient shouldn’t enjoy outdoor activities to the fullest in the summer. However, physical exertion and heat do mean that extra care is required to balance your health. Snack smartly before outdoor activities and prolonged exercise to avoid blood sugar spikes, and try to plan your outdoor activities to take place in cooler hours before 11 AM or after 3 PM, when temperatures and direct sunlight tend to be lower. For patients who experience neuropathy, it’s also important to wear proper outdoor footwear. Good soled shoes, trainers, or quality sandals will give you the support you need to avoid pain. Keep the flip-flops under your bed.

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