HomeNewsManaging your diabetes in the heat -by Dee Meerdink, Diabetes Care Coordinator

Managing your diabetes in the heat -by Dee Meerdink, Diabetes Care Coordinator

If you have diabetes, you’re at greater risk of heat exhaustion, which occurs when you’re exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time and don’t replace the fluids you lose. Your body produces more heat than it can release.
 
If you have diabetes, here are some general tips to keep you safe when the weather is at its hottest.
 
• Prevent dehydration. Both hot weather and high blood sugar can cause dehydration. So, if you have diabetes, it’s doubly important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water is best. Avoid sugary beverages and sports drinks.
 
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can affect your body’s ability to regulate body temperature.
 
• Strategically plan exercise and outdoor activities. Exercise and do outdoor yard work and other activities during the cooler hours of the day. Alternatively, consider walking in a shopping mall or department store.
 
• Dress appropriately. When humidity is high, your sweat can’t evaporate as well. If the heat index reaches 91 degrees F (33 degrees C) or higher, wear clothing that allows sweat to evaporate easily.
 
• Test your blood sugar occasionally. When outside in the heat, it doesn’t hurt to occasionally test your blood sugar. Low and high blood sugar can be a problem during hot weather.
 
Information from Mayoclinic.org