People who live with diabetes have to make some adjustments all year round. Summer can be particularly tricky. But why is heat more dangerous for people with diabetes?
1. A Higher Risk of Dehydration
Staying hydrated can be very difficult if you have diabetes. This illness can interfere with your perception of thirst – you may be used to having a dry mouth, for example. Experts recommend regular, scheduled water breaks, even if they don’t feel necessary.
Remember: you can become dehydrated even if you’re underwater!
2. Hypoglycemia May Go Unnoticed
People with diabetes can usually tell when they are experiencing a drop in blood sugar levels. However, some of the most frequent signs are sweating, heat waves, or chills. So some people do not recognize they are experiencing hypoglycemia if the weather is hot and humid.
This is particularly dangerous if you’re planning to drive. Drivers who do not take note of hypoglycemia can pass out and cause accidents.
Your best bet in the summer is to check your blood sugar more frequently than at other times. However, this might not be as easy as usual.
3. Your Equipment Is at Risk, Too
The test strips that you use for blood tests are sensitive to heat and light. Thus, you need to find a cool place indoors before you can check your blood sugar levels.
Insulin needs to be kept in a cool container. Special coolers are available for this purpose, and they’re not too expensive.
Conclusion
Overall, is heat more dangerous for people with diabetes? It definitely can be if they don’t drink enough water or if they leave their medication at home and forget to store it adequately. But with frequent blood tests and regular fluid intake, people with diabetes can thoroughly enjoy the summer weather.
