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Tips to Help you Manage your Diabetes this Summer
As the summer temperatures continue to hit triple digits, it’s important for everyone to take precautions and stay hydrated. For people with diabetes, it is essential that you be extra careful when dealing with high temperatures. Here’s why:
- Your body is unable to cool properly because of damage to blood vessels and nerves.
- You are more susceptible to dehydration.
- Heat can change how your body uses insulin.
If you have diabetes, here are some tips on how to stay safe in the heat this summer:
Stay Hydrated
As you’re battling the heat this summer, keep in mind that when your blood sugars are high, it can also cause dehydration. This can lead to serious conditions, like kidney damage and risks of infection. It’s best to hydrate with water. If drinking juice or sports drinks, our endocrinologists recommend you watch for any extra sugar that can lead to blood sugars getting worse.
Prepare Your Diabetic Supplies
Higher temperatures can impact medications like insulin and diabetes equipment. Don’t store testing strips, insulin, blood sugar monitors, or pumps in a hot car or leave in the direct sunlight. Instead, pack them in a cooler to help keep the temperature down.
Test Your Blood Sugar Often
High temperatures can impact how your body uses insulin, so make sure you are frequently monitoring your blood sugar and make adjustments as needed.
Other Heat Safety Tips
Everyone should follow these heat-safety tips if you are spending time outdoors this summer:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks
- Avoid being outside in the hottest part of the day
- Wear sunscreen and reapply often
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing
- Take breaks in the shade, especially when exercising or working outdoors
- Know the signs of heat-related illness including confusion, dizziness, cramping, or seizures
Diabetes Specialists in Austin
Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology offers comprehensive diabetes services and the most advanced insulin treatments including injections, oral medications, and insulin pumps. Our board certified endocrinologists and certified diabetes educators are committed to helping you gain better control of your health.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you manage your diabetes this summer!
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