If you have diabetes, be
extra careful during hot weather. Temperatures of
80°F (about 27°C) or above, especially with
humidity, can affect medication, testing supplies,
and your health.
If you have diabetes, it is
harder for your body to handle high heat and
humidity. The heat index, which measures how hot it
really feels by combining temperature and humidity
readings, advises caution starting at 80°F with 40
percent humidity.
Here are suggestions from
CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation on taking
care of yourself during hot weather:
- Heat can affect your
blood glucose (sugar) levels and also increase
the absorption of some fast-acting insulin,
meaning you will need to test your blood glucose
more often and perhaps adjust your intake of
insulin, food and liquids.
- Drink plenty of fluids,
especially water, to avoid dehydration. Avoid
sugar-sweetened beverages such as sweet tea and
sodas.
- If your doctor has
limited how much liquid you can drink, ask what
to do during times of high heat.
- Check package inserts
with medications to learn when high temperatures
can affect them. Take medications with you if
you will need to take them while you’re away
from home, and protect them from the heat.
- If you’re traveling
with insulin, don’t store it in direct sunlight
or in a hot car. Keep it in a cooler, but do not
place it directly on ice or on a gel pack.
- Check glucose meter and
test strip packages for information on use
during times of high heat and humidity. Do not
leave them in a hot car, by a pool, or on the
beach.
- Heat can damage insulin
pumps and other equipment. Do not leave the
disconnected pump or supplies in the direct sun.
- Get physical activity
in air-conditioned areas, or exercise outside
early or late in the day, during cooler
temperatures.
- Use your air
conditioner or go to air-conditioned buildings
in your community.
For general information from
CDC about diabetes:
Visit the Division of Diabetes
Translation Web site.
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/
Subscribee to our weekly e-newsletter
