The summer season presents some special concerns for people with diabetes. It’s more difficult for individuals to keep their blood sugar levels at a safe level during the heat of summer. It’s a time when diabetes management can be interrupted for many reasons.
Use of Insulin
High temperatures affect the way the body uses insulin. Individuals will need to test more often to keep blood sugar levels within range. Individuals will need to adjust their diet, liquid intake, and insulin dosage.
Dehydration
People with diabetes are more sensitive to humidity and temperatures, and they’re at increased risk of heat exhaustion. Diabetics get dehydrated quicker than others and failure to drink enough liquids – preferably water – can increase blood sugar levels. Those elevated levels make individuals urinate more often. Diuretics and some blood pressure medications can contribute to dehydration.
Diabetics should drink water, even if they don’t feel particularly thirsty. Eschew any type of alcoholic drinks and beverages that contain caffeine. That includes coffee, tea, sports drinks and energy beverages. They contribute to dehydration.
Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke
Damage to blood vessels and nerves is a common problem for diabetics and can interfere with the ability to sweat and cool the body. That can easily lead to medical emergencies of heat exhaustion or heat stroke Keep informed about the heat index. The temperature may be 80, but can actually feel like 100 due to the combination of heat and humidity. Stay in the shade as much as possible.
Use A/C
Make good use of air conditioning, especially during the hottest part of the day. Fans don’t cool – they just blow around the heated air. Exercise, walk the dog and run errands during the coolest part of the day. Consider exercising at an air-conditioned gym or fitness center.
Dress Light and Loose
Wear light colored clothing that fits loosely and is lightweight to reduce sweating and allow sweat to evaporate better.
Power Outages
Plan ahead for power outages. Have a small cooler and ice on hand for insulin that must be kept cool. Go to a cooling station or other facility where air conditioning is available if the outage will last several hours.
Symptoms
Know the symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels. Symptoms encompass dizziness, headaches, nausea and increased heartbeat, along with muscle cramps, profuse sweating and even fainting. The inability to sweat is a major danger sign.
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