Cool Tips to Manage Your Diabetes in Summer

If you have diabetes, you are more vulnerable to the heat and humidity that summer brings.

Diabetes complications can damage blood vessels and nerves, which can affect the sweat glands. As a result, the body of people with diabetes may not cool down as effectively.

People with diabetes also become dehydrated faster due to several reasons. High blood sugar can make them urinate more often, causing dehydration which, in turn, causes blood sugar levels to rise. Additionally, many diabetics also have hypertension; one type of commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications are diuretics (“water pills”), which promotes urination and can cause dehydration.  Moreover, the high temperatures brought about by summer can affect the way your body uses insulin.

Here are some steps that you can take to help you manage your diabetes this summer:

1. Drink lots of water, even if you’re not thirsty. This is particularly important when exercising or engaging in outdoor activities.
2. Avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and energy or sports drinks. These beverages can lead to water loss and elevate your blood sugar levels.
3. Check your blood sugar before, during and after exercising or engaging in physical activity. If you are on insulin medication, you may need to test your blood sugar more often and adjust your insulin dose. You may also have to adjust your dietary intake. Ask your doctor for advice.
4. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton.
5. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen if you plan to go outside. Sunburn can raise blood sugar.
6. Never walk barefoot, even on the beach or at the pool. People with diabetes are at high risk of developing food problems.
7. During extremely hot summer days, cool down by turning on your air conditioner at home or going to an air-conditioned building or mall. A regular electric fan may not be enough to cool you down.

Talk to your doctor for more information about how to manage your diabetes in summer.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetesheattravel/index.html. Accessed 6 February 2020

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-manage-your-diabetes-in-extreme-summer-heat/. Accessed 6 February 2020

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes-foot-care. Accessed 6 February 2020