Hot weather does affect blood sugar levels. It increases the risk of low blood glucose levels, known as hypoglycemia. It’s especially dangerous for those taking medications to lower blood sugar levels such as insulin. Your metabolism is higher in hot and humid weather, causing insulin to be absorbed quicker.
Much will depend upon how well hydrated you are and your activity level. Conversely, if you’re being physically active and not staying hydrated, your glucose levels can increase. Managing diabetes in hot weather is a balancing act and requires additional vigilance in extremely hot weather conditions.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
The body sweats to cool itself. If you have nerve damage, it can also affect your sweat glands and your ability to sweat properly. This result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke, two very serious conditions that can require hospitalization.
Damage to Insulin and Testing Supplies
Test strips use enzymes and chemicals to test blood sugar levels. Exposure to high heat can damage them, resulting in false readings. The same is true for glucose meters that can be damaged in the high temperatures that come with summer. Insulin must also be maintained at certain temperatures or it degrades and loses efficacy.
Dehydration
When you’re dehydrated, a hormone called vasopressin is released. It tells the kidneys to retain water. This makes it more difficult for the body to regulate insulin usage. As more water is consumed, you’ll urinate more frequently, but you’ll still feel thirsty.
The Takeaway
Hot and humid weather can make your blood glucose levels rise or decrease, depending on what you’ve eaten, hydration, physical activity, and if you have nerve damage. It’s difficult enough to manage your blood sugar levels in optimal conditions and summer weather can make it a more difficult task, especially if the disease isn’t tightly controlled. However, with proper precautions, no one with diabetes has to miss out on summer fun.
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