Diabetic health and safety tips to beat the summer heat

June 18, 11:11 AMHouston Diabetes ExaminerAimey Stinchcomb

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With temperatures in the nineties and humidity at eighty percent or more on an average daily basis, it certainly feels like summer is already here in Houston! For those of us with medical conditions such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, we need to be extra careful in the summer heat to control our glucose levels and prevent exhaustion and dehydration.

Here are some tips to help keep you safe in the heat this summer:

• Stay fully hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hot summer weather combined with high blood glucose levels causes dehydration very quickly. Avoid sugary juices, sports drinks, sodas and large amounts of caffeine or alcohol, and always have fresh water handy when outdoors. dLife columnist Melissa Conrad Stöppler, M.D. recommends adding a small amount of salt to your water to aid in replacing electrolytes. Click here to read her article about diabetes and dehydration. Shop for BPA-free insulated water bottles and hydration backpacks at R.E.I., Target or any outdoor sports store.
• Exercise in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. To prevent heat exhaustion, try to avoid outdoor physical activity during the hottest afternoon hours when the sun is at its peak. You'll sweat less and be less likely to dehydrate. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: feeling dizzy, disoriented or fainting, muscle cramps, headache, rapid heartbeat and/or nausea and excessive sweating. If you are experiencing these symptoms, drink cool water and move to a cooler environment immediately. Seek medical attention if necessary.
• Keep your insulin and testing supplies cool. Insulin and glucose meters should never be kept in direct sunlight or left in a hot environment. Keep your diabetic supplies cool and safe inside a cooler or a gel-pack insulated travel cooling case. Check out Betic Bag for some great-looking designer travel cases! For those of us using an insulin pump, excess perspiration can loosen the adhesive securing the infusion set. Try using antiperspirant spray or skin-barrier preparations such as Mastisol or Skin-Tac H on your infusion site. Also, place a small cool gel pack inside your pouch as a way to protect your insulin from the effects of the heat.
• Check your blood sugar at least four times per day. Heat causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate unexpectedly, so even if you're feeling fine - it's better to check and be sure. Always carry extra snacks when headed out into the heat.

Contact your medical professional if you have any questions about coping with extreme heat conditions.