As summertime temperatures rise, everyone must stay cool and hydrated, especially those who have diabetes. High temperatures can impact blood sugar levels and raise the risk of dehydration, so it’s critical to take preventative measures to manage diabetes effectively. Whether you’re going about your everyday business or taking part in outdoor activities, these diabetes tips will help you stay safe and healthy throughout the summer heat.
How Does Summer Heat Affect Diabetics?
People with diabetes may have problems controlling their body temperature due to damage to blood vessels and neurons, which can impact their sweat glands and cause problems.
Patients with diabetes are more likely to experience dehydration. Low blood sugar can result in increased urine, which can contribute to dehydration, while high blood sugar can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
The way the body uses insulin can also change in hot conditions. It could be required to regularly check blood sugar levels, modify insulin dosage, and make dietary and beverage adjustments.
Ways the heat can affect people with diabetes
It goes beyond the fact that being hot can induce fatigue and a lethargic feeling. It might have an adverse influence on how your body responds to diabetes. For instance, diabetics often become dehydrated more quickly than non-diabetics. Among the warning signs of mild-to-moderate dehydration are:
- exhaustion
- reduced the need to urinate.
- heightened thirst, lightheadedness, or dizziness
- headache
- desiccated eyes and mouth
As your dehydration gets worse, you could experience:
- increased thirst
- low blood pressure
- black urine
- fast heartbeat
Some people experience a decrease in sweat production.
Elevation of blood glucose levels can occur due to dehydration. The issue could then get worse if you start to need to urinate more frequently.
Diabetes can harm your blood vessels and nerves, particularly the nerves in your sweat glands, making it more likely that you will have heat exhaustion since your body won’t be able to cool itself down as effectively.
Diabetes tips in the summer
Here are some tips for managing diabetes in the summer:
1. Drink plenty of fluids.
Dehydration is more likely to occur in people with diabetes. Your body excretes extra blood sugar and fluids in the form of urine. Sweating in the hot sun causes your body to release more fluids. Additionally, some diabetics perspire a much because high blood sugar affects certain nerves.
Your blood sugar levels rise when you become dehydrated, which causes your body to flush out additional fluids and sugar. That could start a vicious cycle that dehydrates the person severely. If you stay hydrated, this issue can be avoided. Just make sure you stay away from drinks that are high in sugar, alcohol, or caffeine.
2. Exercise with caution
Diabetes management requires regular exercise, but exercise caution when the weather is hot. Steer clear of the gym during the hottest portion of the day or when the heat index is high. Choose colder times of the day, such as early mornings or evenings, and engage in indoor activities instead.
3. Eat moderately and choose wisely
When it’s hot outside, eating a balanced diet can help prevent ketoacidosis. It’s highly advised to eat low-carb, nutritious salads and fruits, including avocados, kiwis, oranges, grapefruits, plums, apples, watermelons, and blackberries. You can also add vegetables like radishes, spinach, and cucumbers. Steer clear of hot drinks and instead go for cool foods like frozen yogurt.
4. Monitor blood sugar levels
Heat may affect how your body reacts to insulin, so pay special attention to your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar more frequently in the warmer months, especially if you’re exercising or spending time outside. To maintain stable blood sugar levels, be ready to modify your treatment plan or insulin dosage as necessary.
5. Protect your skin
You are aware that using sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer. However, there’s an additional reason to avoid getting sunburned if you have diabetes: the stress caused by skin damage causes your blood sugar to rise.
Excessive sun exposure can increase the chance of getting sunburned, which can cause stress to the body and affect blood sugar levels. Use high-SPF sunscreen and reapply it frequently, particularly after swimming or perspiring. To avoid sunburn and overheating, cover yourself with loose, airy clothing that breathes well.
6. Protect your feet
It’s critical to keep your feet safe from cuts, scrapes, and bruises if you have diabetes. You most often wear sandals or walk barefoot in hot weather, especially if you’re relaxing at the pool or on the beach.
Regretfully, leaving your feet bare also raises the possibility of small cuts that could develop into ulcers that don’t heal. Avoid going barefoot whenever possible, and each night, thoroughly examine your feet for any symptoms of damage.
7. Make sure your insulin pump is waterproof
Some insulin pumps are waterproof. Others are water-resistant, which isn’t the same.
A waterproof pump can stay submerged at a specific depth for a limited time (the specifics depend on the type of pump). Water resistant means your pump can come into contact with rain or accidental splashes of water, but it can’t go underwater.
If your pump isn’t waterproof, you’ll need to disconnect it while swimming. Don’t stay off the pump for longer than an hour. If you’ve been disconnected for more than an hour, you may need to replace the insulin doses you missed.
9. Stay cool indoors
When the weather is too hot, head inside to chill in spaces with air conditioning. To stay cool and comfortable, especially during the warmest times of the day, use fans or air conditioners. If you don’t have air conditioning in your house, you may be able to escape the heat by visiting public spaces like shopping centers, libraries, and community centers.
Conclusion
The summertime brings longer, warmer days. Maintaining proper blood sugar control is crucial since the weather is frequently more humid, which raises the risk of dehydration. This summer, using these diabetes tips will help you manage your blood sugar.
For personalized care and deeper insights into managing diabetes, consider booking an appointment with our specialist. Your health deserves the best attention.
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