Summer heat can be tough on diabetes, experts advise

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

People with diabetes need to take special care in summer heat.
Summer heat can be uncomfortable and trying for a healthy person. For someone with diabetes, it may even be a health hazard. That's why experts at the Joslin Diabetes Center are offering some tips for coping with summer heat. First of all, people with diabetes need to keep well hydrated with plenty of fluids - especially if their blood glucose is not under good control. For elevated blood glucose can increase urine excretion and cause dehydration.

Heat exhaustion, with symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat and muscle cramps, is another problem that those with diabetes may experience in summer heat. If affected, go to a cooler place immediately, drink water and seek medical attention. Exercise is best done in an air conditioned gym or early in the morning or in the evening to avoid summer heat. Regular checking of blood glucose is important as heat can cause fluctuations.

Insulin and glucose strips should be kept in a cool, dry place and never at temperature extremes. Those with diabetes who use an insulin pump may need to protect it from perspiration in summer heat - use an anti-perspirant at the contact site - or it may work loose. The pump itself may need covering with a towel or ice-pack if you are out in very high temperatures for a long period of time. Follow these simple tips, and you can enjoy summer heat even if you have diabetes.

Source
Joslin Diabetes Center 3rd August 2006

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