When living with diabetes, it is important to maintain a care routine. However, summer weather, which brings high heat and severe storms, can interfere with your routine, making it more difficult for you to manage diabetes.
Diabetes makes it more difficult to tolerate high heat and humidity. Temperatures above 80°F (around 27°C) can negatively affect medication and testing supplies, in addition to your health. High temperatures are especially detrimental to people with chronic diseases like diabetes, people with mental illnesses, children under four years of age, and people aged 65 or above.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges people with diabetes to remain vigilant in the summer months and adjust their care routines as necessary in order to remain healthy.
Storing medications and other supplies properly in warmer weather is important. When traveling with insulin, remember to store it in a cooler, but not directly on ice or on a gel pack. High heat can also damage insulin pumps and other related equipment. Take care not to leave care equipment in direct sunlight, where it can potentially be damaged.
In warm weather, it is important to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages. Wearing sunscreen and loose-fitting clothing in breathable fabrics can also help protect you from the sun. Knowing the symptoms of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can help prepare you to readily respond to warning signs.
In the case of emergency situations or natural disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes, you may find yourself with outlying needs. Creating a kit of vital supplies (medication, copies of prescriptions, contact information for health care providers) in case of emergency can prove useful. In the event of evacuation, let people know that you have diabetes so that you can receive appropriate care. When faced with emergency situations, it is important to keep something containing sugar with you at all times to avoid developing hypoglycemia. Remember to also examine your feet carefully for signs of infection or injury, and seek medical treatment immediately if necessary.
When caring for diabetes, it is essential to have a proper care routine. Although summer weather can prove to be disruptive, adjusting your routine just requires some additional awareness and knowledge.
More information about diabetes care in high heat and other emergency situations can be found here.
