June 8, 2023—Summer is a season of fun—but it can also make diabetes more challenging to manage. Here are six reasons for that, along with tips to help you keep diabetes in check all summer long.
1. Warmer temps can change how the body uses insulin, possibly resulting in blood sugar highs or lows.
Stay summer-safe: To stay on track, test your blood sugar more often when it's hot.
2. Diabetes increases the risk of dehydration. You can lose water through frequent urination, possibly leading to dehydration. As a result, your blood sugar may become more concentrated, and you could have trouble staying in a healthy range.
Stay summer-safe: Remember to drink plenty of water when it's warmer out—even before you feel thirsty.
3. Sunburns can raise your blood sugar. Sun damage stresses your body, which, in turn, can boost your blood sugar.
Stay summer-safe: Protect your skin and your blood sugar by choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
2. Hot days can cause heat illness. Many people with diabetes have nerve and blood vessel problems that can make it harder for the body to cool down through sweating. This may raise their risk of heat illness, including heatstroke.
Stay summer-safe: To avoid overheating during your workout, exercise when it's cooler out (mornings or evenings) or walk in a shopping mall.
5. The heat can weaken insulin. Temperatures of 93 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can make insulin less effective, the JDRF warns. Supplies (like test strips) and equipment (including insulin pumps) also may be heat-sensitive.
Stay summer-safe: On long car rides, keep your medicine in a cooler (but not directly on ice). Never store insulin or your supplies or equipment in direct sunlight or in the trunk of a car.
6. Vacations can upset diabetes routines. Summer travel can be a welcome change from the daily grind. But skipped meals, new foods and extra exercise may affect your blood sugar control.
Stay summer-safe:
- See your doctor for a preflight checkup. Make sure your diabetes is under control before you go, and find out if your travel plans could affect your diabetes. Changing time zones? You may need to adjust your insulin dose. Learn more about diabetes and air travel.
- Pack wisely. For instance, bring twice as much medicine and supplies as you'll need, along with a prescription in case you run out. Hitting the road this summer? Pack some healthy snacks and plenty of water.
- Life should be enjoyed in moderation, but do your best to follow your diabetes meal plan. Remember to check your blood sugar before and after trying new foods and activities to see how they affect you. It's possible to make healthy food choices even at restaurants.
- Keep your shoes on, even at the beach. If you have nerve damage, cuts and scrapes may go unnoticed and become infected.
Ready for extreme summer
When the heat is on, power outages are possible. And disasters can strike throughout the year. Here's how to prepare for disasters when you have diabetes.
Sources