SUMMER HEAT AND DIABETES

The heat of summer is nearing, especially for those living in notoriously warm weather states like Florida.

Summer heat can be dangerous for anyone and it’s always important to be prepared, but for someone living with diabetes it’s even more important.

“Hot weather can lead to serious health issues for people with diabetes, making them even more sensitive and susceptible to high temperatures and humidity.”1

Depending on where you live or will travel this summer, don’t forget to account for humidity. Heat and humidity can be a dangerous combination and raise serious concerns.

How Does Heat Affect Diabetes Patients?

“People with diabetes tend to get dehydrated more quickly than people without diabetes”2 which can lead to serious health issues.

“Not intaking enough liquids can also lead to dehydration which raises blood sugar.”2 An increase in blood sugar increases urination which can cause dehydration and further perpetuates the issue and creates a vicious cycle.

Certain complications associated with diabetes, like nerve damage also known as neuropathy, can affect sweat glands. These complications can compound the issues and affect certain factors like the body’s cooling process. This can also lead to dehydration.

Extreme temperatures can also affect insulin production which can be dangerous. “The body’s metabolism is higher in hot and humid weather which can lead to an increased chance of hypoglycemia as insulin absorption can be increased.”3

Warning Signs

It’s important to know what signs to look for to identify that something may be wrong. Here are some common signs to watch out for that are a signal that the heat and humidity is an issue.

?????Dehydration

?????Sweating

?????Thirst

?????Dry Mouth

?????Infrequent Urination

?????Dark Yellow Urine

?????Dry Skin

?????Headache

?????Muscle Cramps

?????Dizziness

?????Confusion

?????Irritability

?????Rapid Heartbeat

?????Increased Breathing

?????Fainting

?????Lethargy

?Tips to Combat the Summer Heat?

Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is key to stay hydrated and avoid issues. While sports drinks are good for hydration, they can contain elevated levels of sugars and carbs and are not necessarily the best choice for someone with diabetes.

Stay cool. It’s important to dress weather appropriate and wear loose fitting, breathable fabrics that help to absorb sweat and keep cool.

Avoid direct sun exposure. The sun can be brutal so avoid the heat of the day and stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible.

Exercise with caution. Exercising in extreme heat and humidity can be dangerous if not monitored closely. Staying hydrated and monitoring blood glucose levels before, during and after exercise are vital to keep things in check. Opt for early morning or late evening hours to exercise or join a gym to stay cool and beat the heat.

Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor?

Tracking summer changes to diet, schedules and extreme temperatures is hard to do alone. Having the support of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System through the summer is the key to staying in control. A Continuous Glucose Monitoring device takes glucose readings on set intervals and a trend arrow tells users what direction glucose is heading and the speed in which it is moving so patients can plan what to do next.

Knowing how food, increased activity and hot temperatures will affect blood glucose levels is a big mystery when it comes to diabetes management. A Continuous Glucose Monitor gives users the freedom to know exactly how glucose levels will be affected. That knowledge is power and can help plan activities throughout the summer so blood glucose levels can be kept in check at all times, even while sleeping. CGMs give patients the freedom to enjoy all the summer season has to offer and provide many benefits.

?????Helps to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle

?????Easy to use and convenient to wear during activities

?????Monitors and helps to control fluctuations due to changes in diet and activity

?????Provides real time data at all times

?????Gives peace of mind

Enjoy the Summer!

No matter what the season, living with diabetes is never easy. It takes daily effort, continual education and a strong support system. At Quest Health Solutions, our patients our are #1 concern, and we are committed to providing the education and resources needed throughout every season. To learn more about how CGMs can help get through the summer, contact us at 1-800-993-9996 or email [email protected] or schedule an appointment today.?

1.?(2021). Healthline. How Do Heat and Humidity Affect Diabetes? Available at https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-heat#heat-and-diabetes accessed on 27 April 2022.

2.??????(2021) CDC. Managing Diabetes in the Heat available at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/manage-diabetes-heat.html accessed on 29 April 2022.

3.??????(2021) WebMd. What is Dehydration? What Causes It? Available at https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dehydration-adults accessed on 29 April 2022.?