Everyone here in our office is getting excited about the summer heat, talking about barbecues, pool parties, and Fourth of July festivities. However, with the hot summer weather come some additional precautions for those with diabetes. But don’t fret, it is really easy to stay in control with these summer weather tips!
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause your blood sugar to rise, so make sure to drink a lot of water! Sweating can cause you to dehydrate faster, and aside from the rise in blood sugar, there are numerous risks associated with dehydration including exhaustion, fainting, and heat stroke.
Bring Snacks
Since warmer weather can cause blood sugar to fluctuate a bit more than normal, make sure to have snacks with you that can help to regulate your levels.
Beware of Carbs
Summer brings many barbecues and other often carb-centric events. If you are attending a potluck, bring a diabetes friendly dish. If you are at a festival or street fest try to seek out healthful choices.
No Alcohol on an Empty Stomach
Speaking of street fests and other summer festivals, always make sure to have food in your stomach if you are going to drink. Alcohol can be dehydrating (see tip number one!) and often the effect of alcohol can be easily confused with hypoglycemia. Check out this post for more information on alcohol’s affect on blood sugar and how to drink safely this season.
Keep Testing Supplies Cool
Testing supplies can stop working reliably if they become too warm, giving inaccurate readings. The same can happen if you use insulin injections, and this can be very dangerous when managing your levels. There are travel cases that can be used to help keep your supplies cool when you’re on the go, check out this awesome blog post from Dream Big Travel Far for an in-depth review on the different options out there!
Avoid Sunburn
Not only is sunburn uncomfortable and annoying to deal with, but the stress on your body from sunburn can actually raise your blood sugar. So definitely don’t skip the SPF if you are going to be out in the sun!
Workout Wisely
To avoid overworking your body make sure to exercise either indoors at the gym, or outdoors during off-peak heat hours such as in the morning or evenings when the sun has gone down.
Take Care of Your Feet
Although it can be very tempting in the summertime, avoid going barefoot or wearing open sandals. It is important to wear shoes that fit well to keep your feet in great shape. Check daily for blisters, cuts and scrapes, and don’t ignore any injuries.
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