Diabetes Tips For Beating The Summer Heat

It is only fitting to write a blog post about the summer heat when it’s blazing hot out in the Central Valley of California where I currently live. I have been thinking about some tips I use when it’s hot outside and thought I would share.

Health Tip 1: Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated means packing a nice size water bottle 24-48oz for me, with ice cold water and you may want to consider packing a sugar-free electrolyte powder as back-up if you find yourself thirsty. I personally like the individual packs, they are easy to fit in my purse or gym bag. I also carry extra ones in my gym bag and in my car.

Health Tip 2: Pack Healthy Snacks

Snacking is very individualized for me. I always pack candy or dried mangos for any hypo-episodes. And I pack a granola bar or some type of gluten-free bar. I personally love the brand, “88 Acres.” They have a dark chocolate and sea salt bar which I highly recommend if you’re gluten-free and/or love chocolate. You might also find in my snack bag nuts of some kind usually plain almonds and a kid size apple sauce with cinnamon. I love the brand “Go Go Squeeze.” They can fit into any purse or bag and can also come in handy for any hypo-episodes. What I have found helpful is, if I pack the snacks and I enjoy eating the snack, I am much more likely to eat it.

Health Tip 3: Leave The House During Cooler AM Hours

To reduce heat illness if you must leave your house on very hot days over 95F, plan to run errands or schedule appointments in the morning time. This will help reduce the amount of time you will be in the heat of the day. The risk of heat illness reduces during the cooler times of day as well.

Health Tip 4: For *Insulin Users Like Myself

Higher temps and heat can change how your body uses insulin. Testing your blood sugars more often and adjusting doses in the heat may help you feel better. And if you are active, test your blood sugar! You may also need to pack a cooler for your insulin to stay cool, read the label and/or box on your insulin before leaving the house for the day.

Health Tip 5: Clothing

Wear loose-fitting, light weight, and light colored clothing. This will help you stay cool and comfortable. Also don’t go barefoot and protect your feet! Don’t forget to pack a hat to wear and some sunscreen. Did you know a sunburn can raise blood sugar levels!

Health Tip 6: Symptoms Of Both Hypoglycemia and Heat Exhaustion

Sweating, dizziness, blurry vision, hunger, feeling shaky, and feeling irritable.