Diabetic Tips For A Safe Summer | The Prescription Shop

If you or a loved one has diabetes, it’s important to know that both extreme heat and cold can impact blood sugar and diabetes management. The Prescription Shop has plenty of tips to help make sure you stay healthy all summer long!

How can heat raise your blood sugar?

It’s all about the stress. Any stress to the body–including extreme heat–can release hormones that raise blood sugar.

That means it’s especially important to remain vigilant in diabetes management on those extra hot days.

Hydration
You can help prevent a blood sugar surge by avoiding dehydration. When it’s hot outside, you’ll need to drink more water than usual. Please stick to plain water or seltzer–no sugary drinks! If you’re sweating outside for an hour or more, opt for a sugar-free electrolyte-enhanced sports drink. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because they can further dehydrate your body.

Storage
It’s especially important to store diabetic gear properly when temps are soaring. According to the CDC, diabetes medications can break down in extreme heat and become less effective. That means you shouldn’t leave those supplies in a hot car or in direct sunlight. Instead, pack your meds inside a cooler (but don’t put insulin in direct contact with ice packs–wrap it in a washcloth first!)

Testing
We hate to break it you, but you should test your blood sugar more often in the summer months. Why? Because the symptom of heat-related illnesses can easily mimic those related to high blood sugar. If you’re having symptoms of heat stroke, like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, or excessive sweating, check your blood sugar to rule out low blood sugar.

Exercise
The main thing to remember when you exercise this summer as someone with diabetes is to avid the sunniest part of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). If you want to exercise outside, plan to do so either before or after those hours. If you really need to exercise during the day, do it indoors in air conditioning.

Are there any other steps you’re taking this season to stay safe with diabetes? Head over to our Facebook page to learn more all summer long! You can also visit our website and stop by the shop to learn more.